The IOC awarded ten Olympic medals to Gary Hall Jr. at a ceremony in Lausanne. The former athlete had lost all of his awards in the violent fires that ravaged Los Angeles at the beginning of the year. Thomas Bach had promised to replace them, which is now a done deal. When we read your tragic story, the loss of your home and all your possessions, it touched our hearts. " explains the IOC president, emphasizing « resilience and courage » of the ex-swimmer in this ordeal.
🏊♂️ Olympic champion Gary Hall Jr receives 10 replica medals at Olympic House after losing his originals in the LA wildfires.
- IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) May 5, 2025
Read the full story about this deeply emotional moment here ⬇️https://t.co/VXTtCPPGli pic.twitter.com/D9V6nrohcB
"I am moved, it is difficult to find the words at the moment, reacted the five-time Olympic champion, specialist in the 50 and 100 m freestyle. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude. I can never thank the Olympic Movement enough. for the support he gave me during this very difficult time. (…) We live in an era of capitalism, of consumerism, and it is by losing everything that we realize how little we really need.
