Overview
- Gary Hall Jr., a three-time Olympian, received replicas of his 10 Olympic medals lost in the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) presented the medals during a private ceremony at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, led by President Thomas Bach.
- This marks the first time the IOC has replaced such a significant number of medals for a single athlete, highlighting solidarity within the Olympic community.
- Hall, who evacuated his Pacific Palisades home with only his dog and insulin, reflected on resilience and the value of relationships over material possessions.
- The devastating wildfires, which killed at least 29 people and displaced tens of thousands, have underscored the challenges facing Los Angeles as it prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.