US Olympic Great Sells Medals And Home To Begin New Life Overseas

If you had to part with treasured possessions to begin a new chapter abroad, it might be difficult—but for Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis, it felt like the right step.

Often hailed as one of the greatest divers in history, Louganis earned five Olympic medals between 1976 and 1988. Recently, he made the emotional decision to sell three of them.

In a Facebook post, the 65-year-old revealed, “I have auctioned three of my medals,” adding that this time the sale succeeded because he ignored earlier expert advice. The reason, he admitted, was simple—he needed the money.

Alongside his medals, Louganis also sold his California home. “I am VERY happy with whom I sold it to,” he wrote, suggesting peace of mind with the transition.

The sale of two gold medals and one silver brought in more than $437,000—far exceeding his expectations. The funds will help him as he prepares to relocate to Panama.

Louganis explained that his move was partly inspired by friends who lost everything in California’s Woolsey and Palisades fires. Their resilience encouraged him to start anew “with an open heart and an open door.”

Looking ahead, the Olympian said his goal is to rediscover himself free from outside pressures. “Now I get to discover who Greg Louganis is,” he wrote. He hopes to live fully—embracing joy, grief, anger, and laughter—while nurturing his spirit through life’s experiences. He ended with optimism: “Will be checking in from Panama!”