'Tarzan's' son seeks medals

2006-07-13 08:08

Fort Lauderdale - The son of Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller is trying to get his father's medals and other mementos from the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum.

Johnny Weissmuller jnr, 65, told The Miami Herald that his father's will states he should have possession of the items.

They include five gold medals, one bronze medal, several photographs, the athlete's swimsuit from the 1928 Olympics and a loin cloth from Weissmuller's days as Tarzan in the movies.

Weissmuller jnr's wife said they feel the items are not secure at the Hall of Fame.

"There have been just too many shenanigans at the Hall of Fame," Diane Weissmuller said. "One serious hurricane and everything Johnny Weissmuller earned could be wiped out."

Bruce Wigo, Hall of Fame president, told the newspaper that he will not relinquish the items until he verifies the will. Wigo said the Hall of Fame had a verbal agreement, not a written one, with Johnny Weissmuller to display the items.

The athlete's medals and other swimming memorabilia were stolen from the Hall of Fame in 2004. They were returned in September. Paul Nichols Christow, a former maintenance worker, has been charged with stealing the items, valued at nearly $500 000.

- SAPA