CNN
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Gary Hall Jr., a former US Olympian, claimed 10 Olympic medals along with six world championship medals throughout his swimming journey. He stated he believes they were all lost in the Palisades wildfire, as reported to the Sydney Morning Herald.
“This was worse than any apocalyptic film you can imagine and a thousand times more severe,” he shared with the Australian news outlet.
“I was talking on the phone with my daughter when I noticed a cloud of smoke rising over the rear of my home. I observed the flames burst out and houses starting to ignite. There were blasts, and I didn’t have much time.
“Sunset Boulevard was completely gridlocked. Individuals abandoned vehicles and fled for their safety. Law enforcement was urging them to do just that. My girlfriend was stuck in her vehicle surrounded by smoke.
“It’s chaos in Los Angeles. We were engulfed by flames. The embers fell on me as I leapt into my vehicle. I managed to take my dog and only a few personal belongings. It’s every person for themselves.
“It’s very hard. It’s a significant loss… and everything I possess.”
Hall, celebrated for his speed and flair, represented the US in the Olympics of 1996, 2000, and 2004. He garnered 10 Olympic medals, including a total of five golds. He achieved three gold and three silver medals at world championships as well.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1999, Hall is the offspring of Gary Hall Sr., who earned medals across three Olympic Games.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established for Hall Jr., which states, “Gary Jr. has lost his residence and his means of support in the catastrophic Palisades Fire on January 7th.
“While at home, Gary witnessed flames outside his window before he collected his dog, Puddles, his insulin, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious wooden artifact given to him by his daughter Gigi, then he sped towards the ocean.
“He was compelled to leave behind everything else he owned, including priceless family heirlooms, photographs, and more. He most likely also lost his ten Olympic medals, yet nothing can diminish the spirit that earned those medals.”
Hall, aged 50, expressed to the Sydney Morning Herald that he contemplated the medals, but there was no time to retrieve them.
“Everyone is curious if the medals were destroyed? Yes, everything was incinerated. It’s something I can live without. I suppose all is just material. Rebuilding will require substantial effort. What else can one do?
“The emotions will be varied, particularly when it’s time to revisit the area where my house once stood. I’ll sift through the ashes to check if the medals fused together. Will I discover anything worth salvaging? most likely not. I’m unsure.
“There is no time for taking photos or videos when fleeing for your life.”