Gary Hall Jr., a 10-time Olympic Medalist, was forced to evacuate yesterday, losing everything in the Palisades fire.
Gary Hall Sr. posted on Facebook this evening that Gary Jr. had to evacuate quickly yesterday with nothing but his dog, Puddles, his insulin, a painting of his grandfather, and a painting of the ‘Blessed Mary’ given to him by his daughter.
Everything else, including his Olympic medals and family heirlooms were lost when the fire reached his home, according to his father, who is also an Olympian.
Hall was using the home he was renting to teach swim lessons to kids in the area through his business, Sea Monkeys Swimming.
He was able to get a hotel for him and his dog last night, and is now staying with family in San Diego.
A GoFundMe was created to support him and help him recover from the loss of his home and his business. The fund has currently raised $5,900 of his $10,000 goal.
Hall Jr. won 10 Olympic medals between 1996-2004, winning back-to-back titles in the 50m freestyle in 2000 and 2004. He was also a crucial member of United States relays and helped them to three golds (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 medals were two silvers (1996: 50 and 100 free; 2000) and a bronze (2000: 100 free).
Why the GoFundMe? Did he not have renter’s insurance?
Insurance only covers so much. It HOPEFULLY covers the lost house and some possessions, but not the lost income for an extended period of time. Most people cannot just replace everything they own a whim, even if they have good insurance.
Pull yourself up by the boot straps
Saw a good Instagram post about this phrase the other day: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEk2TmUx4-s/?hl=en
Replica or replacement medals from the IOC or USOC? Not the same but…
Thank heavens Gary Hall Jr. is safe—and that his insulin made the trip as well.
weird dig
33 downvotes?? Tough crowd
Weirder reply
well when you type something clearly being an A$$, that’s what you get.
I hope you never lose your home and all your possessions in a tragedy like this. Despite you being a complete ass hat.
This tragedy could have been avoided if the governor of California would authorize proper forest management. There is reason that forest fires of this scale only happen in California and not Texas, Arizona, Utah, Nevada. It has to do with the leadership of the state.
Do you also believe that whales are scared of windmills?
Well, its good to hear Puddles is ok.
Prayers to Gary Hall Jr. in quickly getting back on his feet again. ❤️
Thank you Mel and SwimSwam for posting this. Gary Jr is down, but not out. He will rebound. Please keep him and all the families affected by this tragedy in California in your thoughts and prayers.
This is just terrible – so sorry to hear, Coach. Spencer and I will keep Gary Jr and your family in our prayers.
❤️
Gary Hall Sr is an amazing friend and great contributor to our sport in many ways. Rest assured we are uplifting your son in prayer and his neighbors who have lost precious items. You sir are one of the truly good guys! Best wishes to you and your family.