The American swimmer's fate is just one of many. The fires in and around Los Angeles have destroyed lives and life's work. Astronomical sums have gone up in smoke and the extent of the natural disaster is overwhelming.
Gary Hall Jr, 50, told in an interview with Los Angeles Times that he was hit by the flames. He acted instinctively, grabbed what he saw as the most important thing at the moment – and fled the flames.
It was a thousand times worse than any apocalyptic film you've ever seen, he said to Sydney Morning Herald.
"Have lost everything"
Embers fell over me when I jumped into the car. I managed to take my dog and just a few personal belongings. It's really every man for himself. It's tough and I've lost everything I own, he says.
The medals – five gold, three silver and two bronze – he took in Atlanta, Athens and in Sydney during the three Olympic Games 1996, 2000 and 2004 were left.
Does everyone want to know if the medals burned up? Yes, everything burned up. It's something I can live without. I suppose everything is just stuff, but it will take hard work to start over, he says to Sydney Morning Herald.
IOC makes copies
The medals are gone forever, but if it's any consolation for Hall, the International Olympic Committee announces that the original medals will be replaced by copies. This writes IOC President Thomas Bach on X.
"We are in full solidarity with the inhabitants of Los Angeles and full of admiration for the firefighters' and security forces' tireless work. For the time being, the full focus must be on fighting the fires and protecting people and property."
"We have also been informed that a great Olympian, Gary Hall Jr, has lost his medals in the fire. The IOC will provide him with copies."
