New Delhi: Olympic swimming legend Gary Hall Jr. has been reunited with a piece of his past, thanks to a gesture from the International Olympic Committee. The American swimmer, who won 10 medals across three Olympic Games, lost his entire collection earlier this year when wildfires tore through parts of Los Angeles, destroying his home in Pacific Palisades. The medals were among the many irreplaceable possessions consumed by the flames.
In a special ceremony held in Lausanne, Switzerland, IOC President Thomas Bach personally presented Hall Jr. with replicas of his five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. The 50-year-old, clearly moved by the moment, thanked the committee for their support and acknowledged the emotional weight of the gesture.
The 50-year-old American said, “Thank you for the medals,” Hall Jr said. “Never before have 10 Olympic medals been replaced, probably because no one has lost 10 medals before. I will do a better job at taking care of these.”
He added further, saying, “The realisation through this process, that outweighs any sense of loss, is this word solidarity and what it means, which cannot be taken away.”
🏊♂️ Olympic champion Gary Hall Jr receives 10 replica medals at Olympic House after losing his originals in the LA wildfires.
Read the full story about this deeply emotional moment here ⬇️https://t.co/VXTtCPPGli pic.twitter.com/D9V6nrohcB
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) May 5, 2025
A career that inspired generations
Hall represented the United States in the 1996 Atlanta Games, the 2000 Sydney Games, and the 2004 Athens Games. The American legend is well known for his electric performances and charisma. He even became one of the most decorated swimmers of his era. His achievements in the pool brought pride to the nation and inspired countless young athletes as he won five gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
In his remarks, President Bach also acknowledged the personal tragedy Hall faced, saying, “When we were reading your tragic story of losing your house and all your possessions, this was going straight to our heart.”
Los Angeles is set to host the next summer Olympics in 2028. Hall’s story will guide a lot of young athletes and will hold an emotional significance for the Olympic community and the city itself.
Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. receives replica medals from IOC after losing originals in LA wildfires, highlighting solidarity and Olympic spirit. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
