Gary Hall Jr. Receives Replacement Olympic Medals After Devastating Wildfires
In a heartwarming ceremony held at the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, five-time Olympic swimming champion Gary Hall Jr. was presented with replicas of his 10 Olympic medals. The original medals were tragically lost in the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. The event took place on May 5, 2025, and was a poignant reminder of the resilience and solidarity within the Olympic community.
Gary Hall Jr., a name synonymous with swimming excellence, represented the United States at the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics. Over the course of these Games, he amassed an impressive collection of five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. These accolades were earned in the fiercely competitive waters of Atlanta, Sydney, and Athens, and they symbolize not only his personal achievements but also the spirit of the Olympic Games.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, who personally handed over the replicas to Hall. In a brief yet heartfelt speech, Hall expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for the medals. 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.”
Hall’s words resonated with the audience, as he reflected on the deeper meaning of the experience. “The realization through this process that outweighs any sense of loss is this word of solidarity and what it means which cannot be taken away,” he added, highlighting the unbreakable bond that ties the global Olympic family together.
The wildfires that ravaged the Los Angeles area in January were nothing short of catastrophic. Hall, who was 50 years old at the time, was forced to evacuate his Pacific Palisades home, leaving behind his cherished medals. The fires claimed at least 29 lives and wreaked havoc on the Altadena and Pacific Palisades neighborhoods, displacing tens of thousands of residents. It is estimated to be the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history.
Thomas Bach, visibly moved by Hall’s ordeal, remarked, “When we were reading your tragic story of losing your house and all your possessions and all your worldly properties, this was going straight to our heart.” His words underscored the empathy and support that the IOC extends to its athletes in times of crisis.
As the world looks forward to the next summer Olympics, set to be hosted by Los Angeles in 2028, the city is already preparing to welcome athletes from around the globe. The event will undoubtedly be a testament to the resilience and spirit of a city that has faced and overcome immense challenges.
- Gary Hall Jr. is a five-time Olympic swimming champion.
- He won a total of 10 medals: five gold, three silver, and two bronze.
- The medals were lost in the Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025.
- The wildfires were the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history.
- Los Angeles will host the next summer Olympics in 2028.
In the face of adversity, Gary Hall Jr.’s story is a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games. His journey from loss to recovery, supported by the global Olympic community, is a testament to the values of unity and perseverance that define the Games. As we look ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Hall’s story will undoubtedly inspire athletes and fans alike, reminding us all of the power of solidarity and the unyielding human spirit.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
