IOC Replaces Gary Hall Jr.’s Lost Olympic Medals

Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. has received replicas of his 10 Olympic medals from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after the originals were destroyed in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January 2024. The medals—five gold, three silver, and two bronze—were presented by IOC President Thomas Bach at a ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland, marking the first time such a large number of medals have been replaced for one athlete. Hall, who competed for the U.S. in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics, expressed deep gratitude for the support and solidarity from the Olympic community, emphasizing the value of friendship and character over material losses. The wildfires, among the most destructive in U.S. history, displaced tens of thousands, killed at least 29 people, and forced Hall to evacuate his Pacific Palisades home, leaving his medals behind. Bach commended Hall's resilience and courage, stating his story resonated globally. The medal replacement comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.