New Delhi: Former United States Olympian Gary Hall Jr is set to receive a new set of medals after his original set was destroyed in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach confirmed the development on Monday.
The three-time Olympic swimmer was forced to evacuate his home in Pacific Palisades last week as fire raged through the neighbourhood.
Hall later revealed that he fled the scene with his dog and could only carry insulin for his diabetes, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious artefact during the evacuation.
Hall, 50, was unable to take or return to take the five gold, three silver and two bronze medals he won at Olympic Games across three editions from 1996-2004.
Hall to get replica medals
“I was getting pelted by embers on that first run,” Hall told the Los Angeles Times. “So I grabbed my dog and some dog food, and that was it.
“Could I have stayed 30 seconds longer and maybe got the medals? I wasn’t willing to take that risk.”
Bach shared a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and confirmed that Hall will be given replica medals.
“We are in full solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and full of admiration for the tireless work of the firefighters and the security forces. Currently the full focus must be on the fight against the fires and the protection of the people and property. We have also…
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) January 12, 2025
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue was in a sombre mood ahead of his side’s match against the Miami Heat on Monday.
The NBA action will resume with the Heat-Clippers clash while the Los Angeles Lakers will host San Antonio Spurs.
The NBA had earlier postponed the Lakers’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday and cancelled the home games of the Lakers and Clippers on Saturday amidst the scarcity of resources.
JJ Redick, coach of the Lakers, was among the unfortunate ones whose houses were demolished in the Palisades fire.
Gary Hall, 50, was unable to return to take the five gold, three silver and two bronze medals he won at Olympic Games across three editions from 1996-2004. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
