Olympian Hall to get new medals to replace those lost in LA fires

After the wildfires in Los Angeles, former American Olympian Gary Hall Jr. will receive a new set of medals, according to Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee.

Last week, a fire that had swept through the neighborhood forced three-time Olympian Hall to leave his home in Pacific Palisades.

He said he fled taking only his dog, the insulin he uses to treat his diabetes, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious artifact.

The 50-year-old was unable to return to his home to claim the five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals he won at the 1996-2004 Olympic Games.

On that first run, Hall claimed to the Los Angeles Times, “I was pelted by embers.” I then grabbed my dog and some dog food, and that was it.

Could I have stayed for 30 seconds longer and possibly won the medals? I wasn’t willing to take that risk. “

Hall will receive replica medals, according to Bach in a post on X.

He declared, “We are fully in solidarity with the Los Angeles citizens and full of admiration for the firefighters’ tireless efforts.”

The fight against fires and the protection of the people and property must be the main priorities right now.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers ‘ coach Tyronn Lue said it was a “difficult” time as his side prepared to return to action on Monday.

While the Los Angeles Lakers travel to San Antonio Spurs, Hi side are scheduled to host the Miami Heat.

The NBA had called off Lakers and Clippers home games on Saturday and delayed the team’s game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday because they didn’t want to divert resources from the wildfire response.

JJ Redick, coach of the Lakers, was among those whose houses were destroyed in the Palisades fire.

“People are losing their homes, people are losing schools, losing lives”, said Lue. Because life is more important than basketball, it’s very difficult to concentrate on basketball.

With the number of deaths from the fires currently at 24 and three wildfires still burning in the LA area, he was also questioned about whether playing on Monday was the best decision. More than 100 000 people are still under an evacuation order, and there are forecasts of strong winds in the area in the coming days.

“It’s above my pay grade”, Lue said. The NBA, in my opinion, has a good understanding of what is happening and what needs to be done. So they make the decision.

They are aware that California is going through a difficult time right now, and they are aware of this.