American Olympic great Greg Louganis has revealed he experienced severe depression and hinted at feeling suicidal during an Instagram live session after his decision to move to Panama.
The 65-year-old diving legend, considered one of the best male divers in history, announced in a Facebook post that he has permanently left the United States.
He shared that he sold his California home and auctioned three of his Olympic medals as he needed funds to start a new life abroad.
Louganis, who won five Olympic medals between 1976 and 1988, went live on Instagram to talk about the motives behind his move.
Seated with his dog, Louganis confessed to grappling with his mental health during last year’s Paris Olympics but has since recognized that he “has things to offer.”
‘I was feeling really, really alone and isolated. I was in a place, I didn’t want to be here,’ he said on the live stream,’ he explained.
American Olympic great Greg Louganis hinted he was suicidal and had ‘severe’ depression
Louganis, who won five Olympic medals between 1976 and 1988, has relocated to Panama
“While in Paris last year for the Olympics, I felt like I didn’t want to exist. It was truly severe, debilitating depression. I wished someone would take me out.
“However, now I see that I have contributions to make. I’m not sure what form that will take, but I’m in a period of recalibration, trying to figure out what’s next.”
‘I’m not who I was when I was 16, I’m not who I was when i was 24. I was diagnosed as HIV positive in 1988 and I was prepared to die. We’re still here and I’m really embracing that.
‘I’m learning I need to take charge of my own life. Everybody is healing from something. I was prepared to die, I didn’t expect to see 30.’
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.
Louganis sold two gold medals and one silver in an auction that dramatically exceeded expectations – with the trio fetching a combined $437,000, despite an initial estimate of $80,000.
‘I have auctioned three of my medals, which sold, I believe, because I went against what the ‘experts’ told me last time when I tried the first time,’ he explained.
‘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.’
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
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.’
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.
