Tragedy Strikes: Swimming Icon Gary Hall Jr. Loses Home to Devastating Palisades Fire

Gary Hall Jr., an athlete with 10 Olympic Medals, was compelled to evacuate yesterday, losing everything due to the Palisades blaze.

Gary Hall Sr. indicated on Facebook this evening that Gary Jr. had to leave hastily yesterday with only his dog, Puddles, his insulin, a portrait of his grandfather, and a picture of the ‘Blessed Mary’ that was gifted to him by his daughter.

All other possessions, including his Olympic accolades and family treasures, were destroyed when the blaze reached his residence.

Hall was utilizing the rental property to conduct swim lessons for local children through his enterprise, Sea Monkeys Swimming.

He managed to secure a hotel for himself and his dog last night, and is currently staying with relatives in San Diego.

A GoFundMe has been established to assist him in recovering from the loss of his home and business. So far, the campaign has gathered $5,900 towards his $10,000 target.

Hall Jr. secured 10 Olympic medals during the period from 1996 to 2004, achieving consecutive victories in the 50m freestyle in the years 2000 and 2004. He was also an essential contributor to the United States relay teams, aiding in winning three gold medals (1996: 4×100 free, 4×100 medley; 2000: 4×100 medley), a silver (2000: 4×100 free), and a bronze (2004: 4×100 free). His other accolades included two silvers (1996: 50 and 100 free; 2000) and a bronze (2000: 100 free).