American Olympic hero abandons country after selling medals for over $400,000

Greg Louganis, the former Olympic diving champion, has sold two of his four gold medals and one silver won at the 1976, 1984 and 1988 Games. The medals were handed over to buyers for a total of $431,000.

Why is Louganis selling medals and leaving US?

Now 65, Louganis has admitted he no longer wants to live in the United States. On Facebook, the Olympic great opened up about his financial problems and his plans for the future. He wrote that he had no issue parting with his medals if it meant he could start a new life in Panama.

“I told the truth; I needed the money,” he explained in his post. Having already sold his home in California and secured more funds through the auction of his Olympic medals, Louganis said that his new life in Panama feels closer than ever.

Over $170,000 for a gold medal

“Many people start businesses and sell them for a profit, but I had my medals, and I’m grateful for that,” Louganis reflected. RR Auction, which handled the sales, published the exact figures on its website.

According to the auction house, his 1988 Seoul 10-meter platform gold sold for $201,314 (about €173,000). His 1984 Los Angeles 3-meter springboard gold went for $199,301 (roughly €171,000). The final sale, his 1976 Montreal silver in the 10-meter platform – won at just 16 years old – fetched $30,250 (just under €26,000).

Louganis’ lifetime of battles

Beyond his Olympic feats, Louganis has long been a leading voice in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS. In 1994, he publicly came out, and a year later revealed that he was HIV-positive.

He has also campaigned vigorously on mental health, human rights and environmental causes. In his farewell post before leaving the US, Louganis shared his wish to finally “discover who Greg Louganis is” – free from criticism and self-doubt. It is a wish he believes he can fulfill outside his homeland.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.