The story of Greg Louganis reminds us that life isn’t all about success and money. The 65-year-old American athlete sold his Olympic medals and his home in California to move to Panama and make a complete change in his life. The athlete shared on Facebook that he’s embarking on an adventure in pursuit of his dreams. After being a leading figure in the pool as a springboard diver, the former Olympic Games winner’s decision surprised many.
The athlete competed in three Olympic Games: Montreal 1976, Los Angeles 1984, and Seoul 1988
“I gave thanks and blessed the house to bring joy, love, peace, happiness, and a sense of security to whoever entered it,” is how Louganis described the sale of his belongings and his decision to leave the life he had. The athlete competed in three Olympic Games: Montreal 1976, Los Angeles 1984, and Seoul 1988. At those events, he won five medals: four gold and one silver. This is no small feat; he put the name of the United States on high, and his decision is to get rid of his material possessions, although the memories and experiences of those years will always remain.
In the Facebook post, Louganis detailed: “I auctioned off three of my medals, which sold, I believe, because I went against what the ‘experts’ told me when I first tried it,” Louganis wrote. And the athlete’s achievements were not few. He became the only man in history to win consecutive Olympic titles in springboard and platform diving, an accomplishment he achieved in 1984 and 1988, according to national media. They were years of recognition for Louganis and for the sport in general.
Louganis, a year after publicly announcing his sexual orientation, also decided to announce his HIV status
One of the medalist’s most iconic acts was when he publicly announced his homosexuality in 1994, at a time when announcing one’s sexual orientation was nowhere near what it is today. Considering that even in the 21st century, it remains a taboo subject in many corners of the planet, Louganis, a year after publicly announcing his sexual orientation, also decided to announce his HIV status.
In addition to this, Greg Louganis has been a staunch advocate for those whose rights are disrespected or violated by society. The athlete has always stood up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and has spoken openly about mental health, addiction, and sexually transmitted diseases.
According to official data provided by the betting house where the medals were auctioned, they sold for over $400,000
Regarding the sale of the medals, it’s a fact that raises mixed opinions, but in the end, the important thing is that Louganis made the decision he felt was most favorable to him. According to official data provided by the betting house where the medals were auctioned, they sold for over $400,000. The auction was held in July of this year. His gold medal from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics sold for $199,301, while his gold medal from the 1988 Seoul Olympics sold for $201,314; and the silver he won in 1976 at just 16 years old also sold for $30,250.
The former athlete has openly stated that he would have liked to have had better financial advice, but he maintains that life teaches us everything. “I told the truth; I needed the money. While many people may have started companies and sold them for a profit, I had my medals, for which I am grateful,” Louganis said.
“Joy, love, peace, happiness, and a sense of security”
On the other hand, the other big sale Greg Louganis made was his home in California. “The other consideration is the sale of my home. I’m very happy with the person I sold it to,” he said in the same statement announcing the sale of his medals. He claimed to have blessed his home before handing it over to the new tenant with “joy, love, peace, happiness, and a sense of security.” This is how Louganis said goodbye to his home to begin a new adventure in which he hopes to “discover, allow, and nurture that human spirit through life’s experiences.”
