***Updated: Gary Hall Jr.’s GoFundMe page has received over 287 donations, exceeding not only the $25,000 but also the newly set $50,000 goal. The community’s unwavering support has accumulated $53,068 for the swimming legend. “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 said, as updated by his family on the website.***

During the New Year celebrations in the days following the first week of 2025, a series of devastating wildfires struck Los Angeles, causing significant damage. Most significantly, the LA Palisades Fire has caused severe damage to public property, currently estimated to be over 15,800 acres and around 2000 structures. Indeed, the severity of the fire prompted the evacuation of over 100,000 locals. And this particular disaster has also affected an Olympian.

Yes, Gary Hall Jr., who resides in Palisades, was forced to evacuate when he noticed flames directly approaching his residence on January 7. While the swimming legend safely evacuated with his pet dog, Puddles, and a few personal belongings, he left many other items, including valuable possessions like his house and even Olympic medals, to burn. This incident led his son to address his father’s situation on social media.

A demand for help amidst LA Palisades fire

Devastating is the word that can be used while explaining the situation of Olympic legend Gary Hall Jr. Indeed, those Olympic medals were something that he earned throughout his stellar swimming career for Team USA. But how many were they? The swimming legend lost 10 Olympic medals, including five golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, in the LA Palisades fire.

Looking at this situation of his father, Gary’s son, Charlie Hall, posted an Instagram story, demanding help, stating, “My dad lost his home, his business, and everything he owned in the Palisades fire. Support would be appreciated.” The social media post has a link to their GoFundMe page, which at this time has received 107 donations and has raised over $13,761, with a goal of $25,000.

Let’s delve into the specifics of the swimmer’s response to the LA Palisades fires. It was fast; he just grabbed his pet dog, Puddles, to safety, and he immediately evacuated the moment he got sight of the natural disaster. He also carried his insulin, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious wooden piece gifted to him by his daughter Gigi, before rushing towards the ocean in his vehicle. Indeed, leaving valuable items behind, like family heirlooms, photos, and more that money can’t buy, wasn’t easy for him, but whatever Gary did was for him and his pet dog’s safety.

Gary owned a home in the heart of the Palisades, where he also operated his business, Sea Monkeys Swimming. He used to teach children in the pool by giving them swimming lessons, but his stay was interrupted by these wildfires. Thankfully, he drove him and Puddles to safety to stay with family in San Diego on Wednesday, January 8. The GoFundMe further requests the community to share their valuable donation that can contribute to this current disaster that the swimming legend has suffered, stating, “If Gary Jr. has impacted your life in a positive way somehow over the years, please consider supporting him to restart his life. The funds raised will be used to buy clothes and necessities as well as a computer to restart business somehow, somewhere.”

Furthermore, the family of the swimmer has stated that they will be providing updates on the situation and won’t be keeping the former Team USA swimmer’s fans in the dark. Indeed, many people were affected by these wildfires, and it even destroyed a popular golf venue, raising concerns among sports fans.

Local golf course destroyed in the wildfires

The iconic Altadena Golf Course in Southern California was standing on the path of the wildfires. For a venue that was built in 1910, it had its own heritage and history to it. However, unfortunately, it got caught up with the fire, and everything was burned to the ground. 

It was a heartbreaking situation for everyone related to the golf course, as their official page posted on Instagram, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of Altadena Golf Course. During this time we’re focused on supporting our community, employees, and everyone affected by this tragic event. We extend our deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are working through this.” 

Indeed, the emergency services did attempt to save the golf course, but the fires overwhelmed and engulfed it, leaving nothing but ashes behind. While the future of the venue remains uncertain, the officials are working on it and will be providing constant updates to the sports world.