Gary Hall Jr. to Receive Replacement Olympic Medials After LA Wildfires Tragedy

Former United States Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. will receive a new set of medals after his original ones were destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires. International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has confirmed the decision, showcasing solidarity with the affected community.

Hall, a three-time Olympian, had to evacuate from his home in Pacific Palisades last week as fire swept through the neighborhood. He managed to save only his dog, insulin for his diabetes, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious artifact. The 50-year-old was unable to retrieve the five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals he won at Olympic Games from 1996-2004.

"I was getting pelted by embers on that first run," 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 got the medals? I wasn't willing to take that risk."

Bach announced in a post on X that Hall will be provided with replica medals. "We are in full solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and full of admiration for the tireless work of the firefighters and the security forces," he said. "Currently, the full focus must be on the fight against the fires and the protection of the people and property. We have also learned that a great Olympian, Gary Hall Jr., has lost his medals in the fire. The IOC will provide him with replicas."

The LA fires have been devastating, with the death toll rising to 24 as high winds continue to fuel the flames. The sports community has also felt the impact, with the Los Angeles Clippers' coach Tyronn Lue expressing the difficulty of focusing on basketball during such a tragic time.

"People are losing their homes, people are losing schools, losing lives," said Lue. "It's very difficult to focus in on basketball because life is bigger than basketball."

The NBA had postponed games to avoid diverting resources from the wildfire response. However, games are set to resume, with Lue hoping to bring some joy to the affected community. "Hopefully we can bring some kind of joy with the game coming back tomorrow," he added, "[we can] try to put some smiles on people's faces in tough times."