Australian Olympic blazer
Date1964
Object number00055491
NameBlazer
Mediumfabric
DimensionsOverall: 820 × 560 mm, 672 g
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection gift of James "Dick" Sargeant
DescriptionA green blazer that was part of the Australian Olympic uniform for 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. The blazer was worn by Dick Sargeant who was a member of the Australian sailing team and was part of a uniform that included a team shirt and tracksuit.
It is understood to have been made by the same firm that made Victorian tram staff uniforms, and was made to same standard.HistoryAustralia's first Olympic Gold medal in yachting events was won in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics by the crew of the International 5.5 metre class yacht BARRANJOEY. The skipper was Bill Northam, sheethand Pod O'Donnell and Dick Saregant was the forward hand. The win made headlines because as well as being the first yachting gold medal for Australia, Bill Northam in his early 60s, was the oldest person to win a gold medal at the Olympics.SignificanceThe uniform helps interpret the social and a team participation/representing the nation aspect of yachting and the Olympics. Dick Sargeant was part of the 5.5 metre class crew which won Australia's first Olympic Gold medal in yachting in 1964 sailing BARRANJOEY. This yacht is on display at the ANMM Wharf 7 Heritage Centre foyer in Pyrmont.
