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The LA wildfire has made headlines after the week of the New Year celebrations, owing to its devastating outcomes for the locals. Indeed, the rescue teams have already evacuated around 200,000 people, and many more are awaiting their turn. The fires have scorched over 35,000 acres, causing 10 fatalities, and have destroyed more than 10,000 structures. It has been absolutely heartbreaking for the locals, watching their homes and memories turned into literal ashes.

The natural disaster has also affected one of the reputed former Olympians who lived in Palisades. The swimming legend Gary Hall Jr. almost lost everything, which is around $1 million, in this LA wildfire, but he did safely make it out of the area with his pet dog, Puddles. Due to the damage caused by the natural disaster, he and his family set up a GoFundMe page, which quickly reached its goal. Following this, the former Olympian left an emotional message for the community and those affected by the wildfire.

Heartbroken but still grateful for the support

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On January 7, Gary Hall Jr. saw the flames moving toward his mansion, and it didn’t take him much time to make the major decision. He grabbed his insulin, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious wooden piece of his daughter Gigi and drove towards the ocean in his car with his pet dog, Puddles. Indeed, his only thought at that moment was to flee to safety, abandoning his mansion and business (Sea Monkeys Swimming), which was worth nearly $1 million. Considering that the average price for a house in Palisades is somewhere from $750,000 to 800,000 K, the Olympian suffered a heavy loss financially. However, in the process, he lost a lot of valuable items, including the ten Olympic medals he had earned for Team USA during his stellar swimming career.

In response to the loss, Gary’s family, particularly his son Charlie Hill, announced on Instagram that the community could show their support by donating to Gary through his GoFundMe page. In no time, 287 donations were made that accumulated to $53,068. Even though the amount was far from what he had lost, it provided him with a sense of support during these challenging times. On the same website, he updated the community through his family member, stating, “As much as I am overwhelmed by the loss of all worldly possessions, home and business, I am overwhelmed by the love and support of so many reaching out through this difficult time.”

Gary has lived in LA for a considerable amount of time, so he often felt heartbroken for the locals who suffered similar losses. He conveyed his feelings, stating, “My heart goes out to the countless victims of the fire. Through my learn to swim business, Sea Monkeys Swimming, I know and love so many families in this devastated community. There are no words to express how broken my heart is for them. This gets me more than any personal loss.” Gary has clarified that he must begin anew, and with the community’s support, he will begin by purchasing a laptop.

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Is the outpouring of support for Gary Hall Jr. a testament to the power of community resilience?

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Furthermore, the swimming legend plans to find a new pool to rebuild his business in. However, he won’t be waiting for Palisades to be habitable again, as he’s already finding a new home. Towards the conclusion of his statement, he expressed his gratitude towards the fire department for their heroic efforts during these challenging times. Apart from the people affected by the LA wildfire, many other Olympians have also united to share their concerns over social media.

Olympians come forward to show support

Prominent individuals have consistently shown their support for the residents of Los Angeles. Tara Davis-Woodhall, who has a home in LA, can understand the problems that these people are going through, as she shared her support through an Instagram story, stating, “Couldn’t sleep, keep thinking about the fires in my home. My heart is so heavy right now. LA I’m praying for you.” She and her husband, Hunter Woodhall, have been roaming the US; owing to their training schedule, and as they’ve been to LA many times, the situation is closer to them.

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Similarly, former Syrian Olympian Yusra Mardini stated about the LA wildfire, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Southern California and those who had to evacuate. Praying for everyone to stay safe.” Even though she is not in Los Angeles at the moment, she is deeply concerned about the affected individuals, particularly the local residents. And another track and field icon, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, also shared her concerns, stating, “Pray for Los Angeles.”

The wildfire’s damage has affected many, and the community unites to provide support to those most in need during these challenging times.

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Is the outpouring of support for Gary Hall Jr. a testament to the power of community resilience?