Infamous American swimmer Gary Hall Jr loses home, medals in fires

The American, who shot to prominence at the Sydney Olympic Games, has lost everything in the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

Infamous American swimmer Gary Hall Jr has “lost everything” in the devastating Los Angeles fires, including his 10 Olympic medals.

The 50-year-old will long be remembered as the man who declared the American 4x100m freestyle relay team was going to “smash them like guitars” at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, in reference to their Australian counterparts.

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He actually went on to say “it won’t be so easy”, but the “guitars” line took off in the Australian media and Michael Klim famously played an air guitar after a team led by Ian Thorpe mowed the Americans down to win the gold medal.

Any old rivalries are now being firmly pushed aside, however, with the American one of tens of thousands facing horrific consequences from the raging forest fires which have killed at least five people and destroyed an estimated 2000 buildings.

Michael Klim plays the air guitar after Australia won gold at Sydney 2000. Photo: Darren England/ALLSPORT

Hall Jr enjoyed playing to the crowds during his swimming career. Photo: Tim Clary/AFP

Hall’s house was destroyed and in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, he detailed the moment he had to run for his life.

“It was worse than any apocalypse movie you’ve ever seen and 1000 times worse,” he said.

“People abandoned cars and were running for their lives.

“We were surrounded by flames. The embers were raining down on me as I jumped into my car.

“I had time to grab my dog and just a couple of personal items. It’s just every person for themselves.”

Hall won five gold medals, three silver and two bronze across three Olympics and helped set two relay world records during his glittering career.

A firefighting helicopter drops water as the burns in the Hollywood Hills. (Photo by MARIO TAMA/Getty Images via AFP)

It is assumed all medals are lost along with the rest of his possessions and a number of swimming figures have jumped into action to help, including former Australian swimmer and current coach Brett Hawke.

The Sydneysider, who competed at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics alongside the American, has helped spread a GoFundMe page for him.

“While I was able to come home from work tonight to a safe environment, my good friend Gary Hall Jr was not,” the US-based Hawke said in an Instagram story.

“He’s in need right now. He’s lost everything in the fires in LA.

“So please hit the link right here, go and support Gary. I mean, it’s just total devastation and show him our love and support. Thanks.”

The page, which has a goal of $40,000, has already raised $19,000 at the time of writing since it was launched.

The Race Club, a swimming club based in Florida founded by Hall and his Olympic swimming father Gary Hall Sr, also posted information about Hall’s plight.

“Gary Jr. lost his home and his livelihood in the devastating Palisades Fire on January 7th,” stated a post on the club’s Instagram page.

“Gary saw flames out his window while he was at home before collecting his dog, Puddles, his insulin, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious wooden piece and drove towards the ocean as quickly as possible.

“He was forced to leave behind everything else he owned, such as irreplaceable family heirlooms, photos, and more.

Gary Hall Jr in a recent Instagram post.

“He has also most likely lost his ten Olympic medals, but nothing can take away his spirit that won those medals.

“Gary was renting a home located right in the middle of the Palisades Fire which had a pool where he taught swim lessons to children through his business, Sea Monkeys Swimming.

“If Gary Jr. has impacted your life in a positive way somehow over the years, please consider supporting him to restart his life.

“The funds raised will be used to buy clothes and necessities. Gary’s family is supporting him as best we can and we turn to our strong swimming and friends community for additional help. Thank you! We will update as we find out more.”