Former US Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr will receive a new set of medals after bushfires devastated Los Angeles, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has confirmed.
The Olympic Hall three-timer had to evacuate from his home in Pacific Palisades last week after fire tore through the neighborhood.
He said he fled, taking with him nothing but his dog, the insulin he uses to treat his diabetes, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious artifact.
The 50-year-old was unable to return home for the five gold, three silver and two bronze medals he won at the Olympics from 1996 to 2004.
“I got pelted with coals that first round,” Hall told the Los Angeles Times. “So I grabbed my dog and some dog food, and that was it.
“Could I have stayed 30 seconds longer and maybe gotten the medals? I wasn't willing to take that risk.”
Bach said in a post on X that Hall will receive replica medals.
He said: “We fully stand in solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and express our admiration for the tireless work done by firefighters and security forces.”
“At the moment the full focus must be on fighting fires and protecting people and property.
“We have also learned that great Olympian Gary Hall Jr. lost his medals in the fire. The IOC will provide him with replicas.”
