American Olympic legend Greg Louganis has announced he’s parted with his home in California and auctioned off three of his Olympic medals as he embarks on a new adventure abroad.
The 65-year-old diving icon, celebrated as one of the most accomplished male divers ever, disclosed in a Facebook post that he has left the U.S. and is moving to Panama.
Louganis, who secured five Olympic medals between 1976 and 1988, expressed that his decision was motivated by a desire to rediscover his identity beyond the achievements he’s known for.
‘So, as life moves forward, what are you prepared to leave behind?’ he wrote.
“I am 65 years old, and I am posing that question. I am no longer who I once believed myself to be. Not even close to ‘What’ others or ‘Who’ others presume I am.”
In a surprising turn, Louganis managed to sell two of his gold medals and a silver medal at an auction that wildly surpassed expectations, fetching $437,000, a stark contrast to the initial prediction of $80,000.
Olympic great Greg Louganis has revealed he’s sold his California home to begin a new chapter
Louganis sold two gold medals and one silver in an auction that exceeded expectations
“I sold three of my medals, which succeeded, I believe, because I defied what the ‘experts’ advised the last time when I first attempted,” he elaborated.
‘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.’
The diving legend also confirmed that he has sold his longtime home in California, along with most of his personal belongings, to begin traveling light.
‘The other consideration is the sale of my house. I am VERY happy with whom I sold it to,’ he wrote.
‘I thanked and blessed the house to bring joy, love, peace, happiness, and a sense of safety to those who entered the house.’
Louganis said the decision to let go of so many possessions was inspired in part by the devastating Woolsey and Palisades wildfires, which destroyed the homes of several close friends.
‘I had many friends, people I was close to, [who] lost everything in the Woolsey Fire, and then the Palasades Fire just this year,’ he said.
‘I know I am choosing to do this, but their resilience is an inspiration for me to start anew, with an open heart and an open door. Opening up to possibilities.’
Louganis said the decision to let go of so many possessions was inspired in part by the devastating Woolsey and Palisades wildfires
Louganis’ featured in three Olympic Games – Montreal 1976, Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988
He also spoke candidly about wanting to break free from expectations placed on him – by others and himself.
‘I realized I often close myself off, shut myself down, and play small for the comfort of others. I don’t think I have realized or given myself credit for what I might be able to accomplish.
‘Like I said in an earlier post, ‘I was an instrument of my coach’s, Ron O’Brien’s, creation.’ I was honored, proud, and blessed to have been that for him. It was all achieved with love at the core.’
Louganis’ Olympic career spanned three Games – Montreal 1976, Los Angeles 1984, and Seoul 1988 – winning four golds and one silver. He missed out on the 1980 Moscow Games due to the U.S. boycott.
After retiring, he took on acting, motivational speaking, dog agility competitions, and commentary. He also came out as gay in 1994 and revealed the following year that he had been living with HIV since 1988.
Despite his move abroad, he isn’t walking away from work altogether. Just last week, Variety reported that Louganis has signed with Innovative Artists Entertainment (IAE), where he’ll focus on TV hosting, endorsements, public speaking, and podcast development.
