Tragedy Strikes Olympic Swimmer: Home and Medals Lost in Devastating Palisades Blaze

ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) – Olympic gold medalist swimmer Gary Hall Jr. is currently residing with relatives in North County, following the destruction of his home in the Palisades Fire.

“The volume of people sending their sympathies is incredibly moving. Thank you very much,” Hall Jr. expressed.

While at his sister’s residence in Encinitas, the swimming legend, Hall, shared with me the distressing events that unfolded on Tuesday morning.

Prior to the Palisades Fire turning into a blaze, Hall was observing from the rear of his rented dwelling in Pacific Palisades and noticed a smoke cloud less than a mile distant. Mere minutes later, everything had drastically altered.

“Visible flames. Homes aflame at the summit of the hill. Explosions. The cars, I can’t say,” Hall recounted. “With the rapidity of the wind blowing, and the plume sweeping directly over my roof, I realized I didn’t have much time.”

Hall, recognized as an Olympic champion swimmer with a total of 10 Olympic medals, five of which are gold, mentions that the composure he relied on as an athlete would now aid him in responding promptly.

“I can find clarity amidst chaos. I’ve always been that sort of person,” Hall noted.

Being diabetic, he secured his insulin, alongside his dog, plus two more significant items, including a portrait of his deceased grandfather.

He chose to also collect a spiritual keepsake, which his family had acquired from a Vatican shop, before passing it along to his daughter.

“I possess 10 Olympic medals. They were located in the bedroom at the far end of the house. I thought about it, I truly did consider it. I dedicated my whole life to earning those medals. Did I have time to access the closet? The answer was ‘No’,” Hall explained.

As he departed, he was confronted with a foreboding signal of the approaching danger.

“Embers were falling on me as I entered the car,” Hall stated.

Hall ultimately reunited with his girlfriend, and both of them found refuge with Hall’s family in North County. He learned from the firefighting crews that his home was lost.

When questioned about the most difficult aspect of losing his medals, Hall replied, “I genuinely wanted to bequeath them to my children.”

The fire also obliterated Hall’s source of income. He operates a business and utilized his pool to instruct swimming lessons. Many of his pupils resided in that vicinity.

“What weighs heaviest are the families. I was familiar with so many families and children. Each one has lost everything. I keep them in my thoughts, and it’s challenging,” Hall shared.

Hall had obtained renter’s insurance but faced a low coverage limit.

A Gofundme campaign has been initiated to assist him with living expenses.