The Sprinter |
"Borzov, The Sprinter," a found object sculpture by local artist Bruce Larsen, greets visitors to the American Sport Art Museum and Archives. This friendly fellow with his gears, hoses, and hubcaps is affectionately known by the faculty and staff of the Academy as "Borzov." This man of metal is named for the 1972 Olympian Valery Borzov. Achieving a double gold medal in the 100-meter quarterfinal sprint, Borzov's competition was cut when Americans Eddie Hart and Rey Robinson failed to show due to the misreading of the time clock by their coach Stan Wright. Responding to the need made apparent by the 1972 Olympic games in Munich, Dr. Thomas P. Rosandich founded the United States Sports Academy as a special mission school for sport management, sport coaching, sport medicine and sport studies. The specialized training and education available at the United States Sports Academy has raised the level of expectation in professional and amateur sports. Valery Borzov, who serves on the IOC Commission for Culture and Olympic Education with Dr. Rosandich, loved the photo of “Borzov, The Sprinter” when Dr. Rosandich presented it to him during a Commission meeting in China. “This sculpture has perfect form,” said Borzov. “I love the artwork and am honored to have it named after me.”
Runaway Carousel |
"Runaway Carousel" is located on the incoming ramp. This work brings many of us back to childhood. We recall our sense of reckless abandonment as we race with this horse through the entrance to explore ASAMA's exciting collection of sport art.
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Bruce Larsen: A native of Fairhope, AL., sculptor Bruce Larsen creates whimsical works by using scrap materials such as driftwood, old appliances, metal, and whatever else he can get his hands on. These "junk" sculptures are well known and liked by Gulf Coast art lovers and collectors. Several of his commissioned works may be seen throughout Mobile and the Eastern Shore.
Larsen is also known for special effects in movies. His work may be seen in several Hollywood movies including, The Patriot, Black Knight, Planet of the Apes, and Dumb and Dumber. Recently, Larsen worked on the special effects for the train wreck on National Geographic's Amtrack Sunset Limited television show. More on Bruce Larsen |
