SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

The Fire Devoured the Olympic Medals – Gets Copies from IOC

Gary Hall Jr fled when the wildfire devoured his home in Pacific Palisades last week. All he managed to bring with him was the dog, some dog food, his insulin, a painting, and a religious artifact. The ten Olympic Games medals were lost in the flames.

» Published: 13 January 2025

The Fire Devoured the Olympic Medals – Gets Copies from IOC
Photo: Thomas Kienzle/AP/TT

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."

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Nylander two-goal shooter: "Seven-hell match"
2 MIN READ

Nylander two-goal shooter: "Seven-hell match"

Guide: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the Sports Gala
3 MIN READ

Guide: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the Sports Gala

The Legend Evacuated – Had Trophies Stolen
1 MIN READ

The Legend Evacuated – Had Trophies Stolen

United turned against the bottom team – hattrick for Diallo
1 MIN READ

United turned against the bottom team – hattrick for Diallo

Competition moved after LA fires
1 MIN READ

Competition moved after LA fires

Ayari behind the win – sank Ipswich
1 MIN READ

Ayari behind the win – sank Ipswich

Veterans shone in Swedish premiere crush
3 MIN READ

Veterans shone in Swedish premiere crush

Åslund back after seven weeks: "A real blow"
2 MIN READ

Åslund back after seven weeks: "A real blow"

The Fans Showed Support – Victory for Crisis-Hit Rögle
1 MIN READ

The Fans Showed Support – Victory for Crisis-Hit Rögle

Giant Upset – Star Eliminated by 19-year-old
1 MIN READ

Giant Upset – Star Eliminated by 19-year-old

After the Brain Injury – Holmlund Bets on Swimming
1 MIN READ

After the Brain Injury – Holmlund Bets on Swimming

The Swedish Sensation: "I haven't felt this good"
2 MIN READ

The Swedish Sensation: "I haven't felt this good"

The Swedish sensation: "I haven't felt this good"
2 MIN READ

The Swedish sensation: "I haven't felt this good"

Austria confirms: Will recruit Northug
1 MIN READ

Austria confirms: Will recruit Northug

World Championship in danger – lack of snow may stop Swedish star
2 MIN READ

World Championship in danger – lack of snow may stop Swedish star

Sjöström crushed the opposition – sixth prize
1 MIN READ

Sjöström crushed the opposition – sixth prize

Lindsey Vonn fell during downhill training
1 MIN READ

Lindsey Vonn fell during downhill training

The Swede's Olympic medal is tarnishing: "A bit annoying"
3 MIN READ

The Swede's Olympic medal is tarnishing: "A bit annoying"

Despite the announcement – the women's national team to Gamla Ullevi
1 MIN READ

Despite the announcement – the women's national team to Gamla Ullevi

Slow-starting Sinner advances in Melbourne
1 MIN READ

Slow-starting Sinner advances in Melbourne