Gary Hall Jr. Receives Replacement Olympic Medals After Devastating Wildfires

Lausanne, Switzerland — American swimmer Gary Hall Jr. received 10 replacement Olympic medals during an emotional ceremony at Olympic House on Friday. The medals were lost in wildfires that swept through his neighborhood in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Hall Jr., who competed in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games, lost his original medals when he was forced to leave them behind as he evacuated his home. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized his loss and invited him to the ceremony, where IOC President Thomas Bach presented the replicas.

In his remarks, Bach expressed admiration for Hall Jr.’s resilience and spirit amid tragedy. “We really appreciate your presence here. I cannot tell you how much we admire you,” Bach said. He reflected on Hall Jr.’s courageous journey after losing his possessions and emphasized the strength of the Olympic spirit.

After receiving the medals, an emotional Hall Jr. spoke of his gratitude. “It’s hard for me to put words together in this time,” he said. “I would like to express my gratitude first and foremost.” He also shared a poignant moment showing two gold medals from his original collection that melted together in the fire.

Hall Jr. highlighted the importance of friendship and character in times of loss. “The value of friends outweighs the value of objects,” he remarked. “Character cannot be taken away, it cannot be burned, it cannot be lost.” He added how the experience shifted his perspective on materialism and consumerism.

Looking ahead, Hall Jr. expressed excitement for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, recalling the impact of watching the 1984 Olympics as a child. “This inspired me more than any genetic inheritance or family tradition,” he said. As a part of the ceremony, he also signed the Olympian Wall at Olympic House.