Mikio Oda Japan Olympic Champion Original Press Photo Long Jump Colombes 1930 RR

Rare , Original vintage press photograph of Japanese Olympic champion Mikio Oda (1905–1998) competing in the long jump at Colombes, France, on 24 August 1930.

The image shows Oda airborne during a jump, wearing a Japanese team singlet with the national flag on his chest. Contemporary archive records identify Oda competing in the long jump at a France vs. Japanese university athletics meeting in Colombes on that date.

Oda is one of the most important figures in Japanese sporting history. He won the triple jump at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games, becoming Japan’s first Olympic gold medalist.

The reverse carries a contemporary handwritten German caption:

“Der Sport im ‘Land des Lächelns’

Der Weitspringer Oda bei einem Sprung.”

Translation:

“Sport in the ‘Land of Smiles’ – Long jumper Oda during a jump.”

The back also bears:

• Walter Wilke, Berlin N.W.40, Thomasiusstraße 19
• Agence ROL, Paris press agency stamp

These markings indicate that the photograph circulated through European press channels during the period.

Details:

• Athlete: Mikio Oda
• Country: Japan
• Sport: Long Jump / Athletics
• Event: France vs. Japanese university athletics meeting
• Location: Colombes, France
• Date: 24 August 1930
• Type: Original press photograph
• Photography: Black & white
• Size: 12 × 18 cm
• Approx. size: 4.72 × 7.09 inches
• Reverse: Original handwritten caption and press agency markings

Condition:

Vintage press-photo condition with age-related toning, light surface wear, handling marks and minor creasing consistent with age and journalistic use. The original agency stamp and handwritten caption remain visible on the reverse. Please examine the photographs carefully for exact condition.

A historically important original photograph of Japan’s first Olympic champion, especially appealing to collectors of Olympic history, Japanese sports memorabilia, early athletics photography and original press photographs.