Lovelock cup bought for NZ

The crystal cup presented to Kiwi track legend Jack Lovelock for his 1500m victory at the 1936 Berlin Olympics is set to finally reach New Zealand, after it was won at auction by Coca-Cola Amatil yesterday.

The company is planning to lend the cup to Lovelock's old school, Timaru Boys High, and Athletics New Zealand.

Coca-Cola Amatil's managing director, George Adams, refused to say exactly how much the company had paid but revealed it was "tens of thousands" of dollars and "well above the reserve price" of about $5200.

The soft-drink giant bid over the phone and through a translator at the auction in Berlin.

Lovelock gave the 3.6kg cup to a 14-year-old boy at the Olympic village because it was too heavy to take home. It has remained in Europe ever since.

Athletics New Zealand spokesman Murray McKinnon said he was "absolutely delighted".

"Just about every other memorabilia from Lovelock's victory in 1936 is here in New Zealand. This is almost like the last bit of memorabilia attached to Lovelock's victory. It belongs in New Zealand."

Mr McKinnon said he had no problems with Coca-Cola keeping ownership. "They provided the funds to get it here and made it quite clear they want it to be seen by the public."

Timaru Boys High already has a collection of Lovelock's trophies on display.