We all remember the devastating wildfires that swept across Los Angeles earlier this year, but it really hit close to home when the swimming community learned that Hall of Famer, Gary Hall Jr. barely escaped the blaze of the home he was renting with nothing but the shirt on his back and his dog. He lost everything including his 10 Olympic medals.
Today, Hall, Jr. was in Lausaunne, Switzerland, home of the IOC where he was presented exact replicas of his medals.
A post from his father, ISHOF Hall of Famer, Gary Hall Sr’s organization, The Race Club said:
“Gary Hall Jr.’s medal ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a testament to resilience. After the LA wildfires claimed his Olympic medals, the IOC created precise replicas. This ceremony symbolizes a bright future ahead.”
We couldn’t agree more!