US swimming great Gary Hall Jr will have 10 Olympic medals lost in LA wildfires replaced, IOC says

Olympian Gary Hall Jr. shares his story on ‘America’s Newsroom’ about losing his home and medals to the devastating California wildfires.

Former Team USA swimmer Gary Hall Jr., who earned 10 Olympic medals during his career, will be provided with replicas of those medals after he lost them in the deadly California wildfires, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Sunday. 

The IOC released a statement over the weekend in response to the multiple wildfires burning in Southern California which have claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. 

A general view of the burned residential areas as wildfires continue to wreak havoc, reaching their fifth day, and leaving extensive damage in residential areas in Los Angeles on Jan. 12, 2025. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"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," the statement read. "Currently the full focus must be on the fight against the fires and the protection of the people and property." 

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The IOC also confirmed that Hall, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, would receive replicas of his medals, which he lost in the Pacific Palisades Fire.

"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."

Gary Hall Jr. of the United States listens to the national anthem after receiving the gold medal for the men's swimming 50-meter freestyle event on Aug. 20, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at the Main Pool of the Olympic Sports Complex Aquatic Centre in Athens,