By Jessica A. Dennehy
On May 5, 2025, three-time Olympian and 10-time Olympic medalist Gary Hall Jr. was presented with a full set of replica Olympic medals by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. The ceremony, held at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, followed the loss of Hall’s original medals in a devastating house fire. While renting a home in the Pacific Palisades, California, Hall was among thousands affected by the Los Angeles Fires in January 2024. Hall’s entire Olympic medal collection—five gold, three silver, and two bronze—was destroyed in the flames, with only his dog, his insulin, and several small valuables escaping unharmed.
In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Hall reflected on the IOC’s gesture. “When tough times happen, you find out who your friends are,” he said. “And to see this response from the highest level of sport, it makes you feel special. It makes you feel supported, which is so needed at this time.”
Gary Hall Jr. comes from a family deeply rooted in competitive swimming. His grandfather, Charles Keating Jr., was a national swimming champion in the 1940s. His father, Gary Hall Sr., competed in three Olympic Games and earned four medals: one gold, two silver, and one bronze. Together, the Halls are the first father-son pair in U.S. history to both compete in three Olympic Games.
Hall Jr. competed for Team USA in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games, securing his place as one of the most accomplished American sprinters in swimming history. In Atlanta 1996, he won two relay gold medals in the 4×100-meter freestyle (Olympic record) and 4×100-meter medley (world record) and earned silver in both the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle events. At Sydney 2000, he captured individual gold in the 50-meter freestyle, tying with fellow American Anthony Ervin. He also earned gold in the 4×100-meter medley relay, silver in the 4×100 freestyle relay, and bronze in the 100-meter freestyle. At Athens 2004, at age 29, Hall defended his 50-meter freestyle title, becoming the oldest American male swimmer to win Olympic gold since 1924. He also added a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.
Known for his patriotic flair, Hall often made dramatic poolside appearances in red, white, and blue boxing robes and shorts, frequently shadowboxing before races. His mouth matched his speed—Hall was one of Team USA’s most outspoken trash talkers. His fiery remarks, particularly aimed at the Australians, famously fired up the Australian team to the point that, after decades of playing second fiddle to Team USA, they barely defeated the U.S. in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Let it be known that they never accomplished this again, while the US won five out of the six that followed in Olympic history. While his flamboyance drew attention, his performance in the water always justified the spotlight.
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, Hall briefly stepped away from competition. Despite concerns that his condition could end his career, he returned to the sport and continued to succeed at the highest levels. In retirement, he became a spokesperson for diabetes awareness, using his platform to advocate for others living with the condition.