‘I needed the money’: Olympic star sells gold medals, moves out of America

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Greg Louganis (Facebook)
Greg Louganis (Facebook)

An American Olympic star who helped put competitive diving on the map has sold two of his gold medals and moved out the United States.

“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,” explained Greg Louganis, diving legend from the 1980s.

In a Facebook post, Louganis says he also sold his home in preparation for moving to Panama.

One of the honored Wheaties box athletes, Louganis, 65, won four gold medals and one silver in the 1976, 1984 and 1988 Summer Games.

According to the New York Post, Louganis made $437,000 auctioning the three medals.

In his post, the diving champ explained he is getting rid of more possessions than just the medals.

“I decided to donate, sell what can be sold, give gifts, and give where things might be needed or appreciated,” Louganis noted.

He likened the downsizing to friends who lost all their possessions in the Los Angeles fires earlier this year.

Part of Louganis’ move to Panama is a desire for self-discovery.

“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,” he wrote.

“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. To be joyful in the moments, embrace the grief, the anger, and the laughter, and embrace it all, feel it all in this experience we call our lives.”



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