On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it will provide replacement medals to legendary U.S. swimmer Gary Hall Jr. after his original Olympic medals were destroyed in the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades community.
Hall was forced to evacuate without his medals
Hall, a three-time Olympian and diabetes advocate, had to flee his home in haste as the fast-moving fires engulfed his neighborhood. The swimmer managed to take only a few essentials during the evacuation, including his dog, insulin, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious artifact.
“I was getting pelted by embers on that first run,” Hall recounted to the Los Angeles Times. “So I grabbed my dog and some dog food, and that was it.” Unfortunately, he was unable to retrieve the five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals he won in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games.
IOC steps in to honor Hall’s legacy
IOC President Thomas Bach took to social media to express support for Hall and the citizens of Los Angeles affected by the infernos. “We are in full solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and full of admiration for the tireless work of the firefighters and security forces,” Bach said. He added, “We have also learned that a great Olympian, Gary Hall Jr., has lost his medals in the fire. The IOC will provide him with replicas.”
Wildfires’ devastating impact
The fires in Pacific Palisades are part of a series of catastrophic wildfires that have burned across Southern California in recent weeks, destroying homes, displacing thousands, and creating hazardous air quality.
Hall’s loss of his medals underscores the widespread devastation and the personal toll on residents, including prominent figures in the community. While Hall is safe, the incident serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable memories and possessions lost to natural disasters. The gesture by the IOC seeks to honor not only Hall’s Olympic achievements but also his resilience during this challenging time.
