Olympic diver Greg Louganis sells his medals and LA home as he leaves US
The out-gay diver, who came out in 1994 shortly after the Seoul Games, shared the details of selling his prized possessions
By Callum Wells
Olympic diver Greg Louganis has sold three of his medals – as well as his Los Angeles home – as he embarks on a new life away from the US.
Louganis, who earned his medals across three Olympic Games – Montreal 1976, Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988 – announced the auctions have funded his move to Panama in a candid Facebook post.
“So, as life moves forward, what are you prepared to leave behind?” he wrote.
“I am 65 years old, and I am asking just that. I am no longer who I used to think I was. Not even close to ‘What’ other people or ‘Who’ other people think I am.”
“I told the truth; I needed the money” – Louganis on the reason behind his auction
The out-gay diver, who came out in 1994 shortly after the Seoul Games and revealed he was HIV-positive in 1995, shared the details of selling his prized possessions.
“I auctioned three of [my Olympic] medals, which sold… because I went against what the ‘experts’ told me last time when I tried the first time,” Louganis explained.
According to Cllct.com, the medals collectively fetched over $430,000 (around £318,000), with the golds making up close to $200,000 (£150,000) each and the silver, $30,000 (£22,000).
“I told the truth; I needed the money. While many people may have built businesses and sold them for a profit, I had my medals, which I am grateful for,” he added.
The devastating fires in Los Angeles this year were a driving force behind his decision
Louganis also revealed that he had sold his house, expressing satisfaction with the buyers. “I am VERY happy with whom I sold it to. I thanked and blessed the house to bring joy, love, peace, happiness, and a sense of safety to those who entered the house.”
The devastating fires in Los Angeles this year were a driving force behind his decision. “I had many friends, people I was close to, lost everything in the Woolsey Fire, and then the Palisades Fire just this year. I know I am choosing to do this, but their resilience is an inspiration for me to start anew, with an open heart and an open door. Opening up to possibilities.”
“Now I get to discover who is Greg Louganis?” – the diver on his next chapter
Reflecting on his personal growth, Louganis added: “I realized I often close myself off, shut myself down, and play small for the comfort of others. I don’t think I have realised or given myself credit for what I might be able to accomplish. Like I said in an earlier post, ‘I was an instrument of my coach’s, Ron O’Brien’s, creation.’ I was honoured, proud, and blessed to have been that for him. It was all achieved with love at the core.
“Now I get to discover who is Greg Louganis? Without the distraction and noise from outside. At least this is my goal, and hey, I may not find that. I think I may find it at times, in moments, my goal is to live it! Discover, allow, and nurture that human spirit through the experiences of life.”
He concluded: “Will be checkin in from Panama!”