Greg Louganis’ Olympic Gold Medals Bring Top Dollar in Record-Breaking Auction
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Three Olympic medals from U.S. diving legend Greg Louganis have just sold for a combined $430,865, shattering pre-sale estimates and stirring excitement in the world of Olympic memorabilia. The auction, held by RR Auction, drew intense interest from collectors eager to own a piece of sports history tied to one of America’s most celebrated athletes.
Louganis, who has long been recognized as one of the greatest divers of all time, put two gold medals and a silver up for auction. The standout sale was his 1988 Seoul Olympic gold for the 10-meter platform, which fetched $201,314. Hot on its heels was his 1984 Los Angeles gold in the 3-meter springboard, which closed at $199,301. His very first Olympic medal—a silver from Montreal in 1976—sold for $30,250.
The final prices far exceeded the auction house’s expectations, which had pegged the trio at around $80,000. But with Louganis’ legacy and the rarity of such medals hitting the open market, bidding quickly turned into a competition among serious collectors.
Ahead of the sale, Louganis reflected on his decision to part with the medals, saying he hopes they’ll bring happiness to their new owners. “I would be more than happy to share stories about them, each one has a unique journey,” he said. Louganis also acknowledged that the sale marks a new phase in his life as he prepares to move and find “more secure footing on my new adventure.” He described letting go of the medals as a step toward true freedom, noting, “a part of growth is letting go of the past, and letting go of all attachments is true freedom.”
RR Auction’s executive vice president Bobby Livingston noted the significance of the event. “When an Olympian decides to part with their hard-earned medals, it’s typically a significant personal decision, and we’re proud to have achieved such strong prices for Greg,” he said, pointing to the ongoing popularity of Olympic collectibles.
Louganis’ competitive career was also shaped by the political climate of the time. He missed the opportunity to compete in the 1980 Moscow Games due to the U.S. boycott, yet his mark on the sport remains indelible.
With the sale of his medals, Greg Louganis’ story takes on a new chapter, and three lucky collectors now hold a tangible piece of Olympic history.
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