• The IOC will provide replicas of Gary Hall Jr.'s Olympic medals lost in the wildfires.
• Hall expressed gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging time.
• Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek publicly showed support for wildfire victims at the Australian Open.
• The Pacific Palisades Fire has resulted in significant losses and at least 24 fatalities in Los Angeles.

American former swimmer Gary Hall Jr. will receive replicas of the 10 Olympic medals he lost when wildfires ravaged his home in Pacific Palisades, California. Thomas Bach, the IOC President, conveyed the committee's commitment to supporting Hall, stating, “We are in full solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and full of admiration for the tireless work of the firefighters and the security forces.” The wildfires have wreaked havoc, leaving many lives lost and properties destroyed across the region, including Hall's home where he sadly left his medals behind.

In an emotional reflection, Hall remarked, “I did think about the medals. I did not have time to get them,” revealing the overwhelming situation he faced. Overall, he lost nearly all his possessions during the catastrophic event. Hall, a decorated Olympic athlete who competed in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics, where he captured five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals, indicated that while losing the medals was painful, he understood that “everything is just stuff,” stressing the importance of overcoming this personal disaster.

Meanwhile, athletes Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek have made headlines for their compassionate gestures at the Australian Open, where they displayed messages of support for the victims of the devastating wildfires. Gauff wrote, “Stay strong LA. Thank you firefighters,” further amplifying the community's call for resilience and recovery amidst such trying circumstances.

Hall has temporarily relocated to San Diego and has received significant support from the community through a fundraising campaign, raising over $75,000. This collective support reflects the spirit and determination of those affected and their allies during this crisis.

For further information, you can view the original articles on SCMP and USA Today.