Bach promises new medals for Hall after LA wildfires

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Bach promises new medals for Hall after LA wildfires
Fecha de publicación: 
13 January 2025
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The catastrophe that swept through California has also given rise to stories of resilience. Gary Hall Jr., a multiple Olympic champion, lost his home and medals in the fires, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Monday that it will provide the former swimmer with replicas.

The catastrophic effects of the fires, which have ravaged California since 7 January, continue to dominate the headlines—mostly with tragic news, though occasional rays of hope shine through the darkness. Among the thousands affected, the story of Gary Hall Jr., one of the greatest icons of American Olympic swimming, has taken an uplifting turn as his Olympic legacy is set to be restored.

Hall Jr., renowned for his stellar performances at the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games, was at his home in Pacific Palisades when the flames spread rapidly toward his coastal community. "I saw a plume of smoke in my backyard. Within minutes, the flames were there. I had no time,” he recounted to the Los Angeles Times last week.

With little time to act, the decorated champion evacuated with only the essentials: his dog, insulin to manage his diabetes, a painting by his grandfather, and a religious artefact. "The embers rained down on me during that first dash. I just grabbed the dog and a bit of food," he recalled. Among the material losses, the most heart-wrenching for Hall Jr. were the medals that symbolised his illustrious career: five golds, three silvers, and two bronzes. These Olympic treasures, earned over three editions of the Games, were destroyed in the blaze that consumed his home.

IOC President Thomas Bach was quick to offer a solution. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Bach pledged that Hall would receive replicas of his medals as a gesture of support. "We stand in full solidarity with the people of Los Angeles and are full of admiration for the firefighters. We are aware that a great Olympic athlete, Gary Hall Jr., has lost his medals in the fire. The IOC will provide him with replicas," the German executive announced.

This gesture not only aims to restore a part of Hall’s legacy but also sends a message of empathy and unity amid the tragedy that has affected thousands in California. The wildfires, which began just over a week ago, have scorched more than 160 square kilometres in Southern California, severely impacting areas like Woodland Hills and the Angeles National Forest. To date, there have been 16 confirmed fatalities, over 5,000 structures destroyed, and thousands of residents displaced.

Challenging weather conditions, including high winds and extreme dryness, have hindered firefighters’ efforts to contain the active blazes. Authorities have issued widespread evacuation orders across Los Angeles County in response. Despite the devastation, Hall Jr. has shown remarkable composure in reflecting on the loss of his medals and home. "What can you do? They’re just things,” he said, revealing a resilience that has defined his life both in and out of the pool. With the IOC’s commitment to replacing his lost medals, Hall’s story becomes a testament to how the Olympic spirit transcends competition, extending to support and solidarity in times of crisis. 

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