While cold grips parts of the nation, California is struggling to douse the fires that are threatening to get out of control. The wildfire has already engulfed over 1,000 structures, making it one of the deadliest fires in Los Angeles’ history. The devastating flames haven’t spared anyone, and along with the other residents in the area, former Olympic champ Gary Hall Jr. has also been affected by the natural calamity.
An article by Swimming World from January 8 shared news of ex-USA swimmer Gary Hall Jr.’s misfortune. “Gary Jr. lost his home and his livelihood in the devastating Palisades Fire on January 7th. Gary saw flames out his window while he was at home…and drove towards the ocean as quickly as possible,” reads the GoFundMe campaign that has been created to support Hall.
Hall Jr. represented the United States at three Olympic Games: 1996, 2000, and 2004 and he won ten Olympic medals, including five gold, three silver, and two bronze. All of those shinning testaments to Hall’s incredible career were destroyed by the California fires, making it a tragic day for him and his family. He also made his mark as a world record-holder in two relay events. The 50-year-old retired swimmer is the son of 3x Olympic medalist Gary Hall Sr, who was also a national celebrity in the 1960s.
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Gary’s Olympian father also requested the community to help out the family in these crucial times. “Life can throw some pretty tough punches, and yesterday, Gary Jr received one. Today, he has to start life over with nothing…Please keep him in your prayers, along with all of the other families devastated by these California fires,” wrote Hall Sr.
His son was renting a house in Southern California, where Hall teaches kids swimming through his Sea Monkeys Swimming establishment. Hall Jr. evacuated with only Puddles, his dog, and some of the most important things he could find and headed out of his home. Gary and Puddles got themselves a room at a hotel for the night, and are now staying with his family in San Diego.
The swimming community has also stepped forward to help the star who represented the Stars and Stripes on the Olympic stage. So far, almost $10,000 has been raised from the $25k goal. Those who have seen Hall in action during his Olympian days would fondly remember how Gary’s “pro-wrestling-like” antics before competitions made fans rally behind him. But his climb to the top of the ladder wasn’t an easy trek, and his recent loss justifiably would make his followers feel it like a blow to the stomach.
A fumble on the road isn’t new for Gary Hall Jr.
While the Ohio native has tasted what it’s like to revel in the fans’ admiration, life hasn’t always been kind to him. In 1999, Hall Jr. was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. With that knowledge, Hall’s 2000 Sydney Olympics dream looked like it was standing on the verge of being derailed for good. Remembering he always ensured to keep his health before everything else, Gary said in 2020, “The diagnosis came out of nowhere, there was no family history. I was shell-shocked. I had no idea what it meant,” underscoring how he scurried to cope with the news. With his doctor by his side, Hall became the first Olympic champ with type 1 diabetes.
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“I didn’t need a locker-room-style uplifting speech, I needed someone to give me permission to try,” he remembers how he only wanted someone to stand in his corner so he could go out and give his best. With all the milestone feats he has amassed over the years, Hall knows that a little display of bravery can take you a long way.
Ahead of last year’s Paris Olympics, Gary said that he will always root for the “bada**” athletes who aren’t afraid to think outside of the box and bring something new to the sport. A personality you can make your role model, isn’t it? Tell us your message to help the Hall family through the tumultuous times in a comment below!
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