Former US Olympian Gary Hall Jr., who won 10 Olympic medals and six world championship medals in his swimming career, recently shared the heartbreaking news that he believes he has lost all his medals in the Palisades wildfire.
Recalling the terrifying experience, Hall mentioned that he saw the fire rapidly approaching his home and had to evacuate in a hurry. Despite his efforts to save some belongings by loading a painting and another object into his SUV, he was unable to retrieve his medals from a closet in his bedroom located 70 feet away.
Describing the urgency of the situation, Hall explained that he had only about three minutes from the moment he spotted the first plume of smoke until the fire reached his vicinity. The intensity of the situation became evident as hot embers started falling from the sky, prompting him to prioritize his safety and leave the area.
Known for his speed and showmanship, Hall represented the US in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics, where he achieved remarkable success by winning a total of 10 Olympic medals, including five gold medals. Additionally, he secured three gold and three silver world championship medals throughout his illustrious career.
The loss of his Olympic medals in the wildfire serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and devastating nature of natural disasters, highlighting the importance of prioritizing safety and preparedness in such situations.
