Gay Olympian Greg Louganis Sells Medals to Move Out of US

Trailblazing gay diver Greg Louganis has sold his Olympic medals and house in the United States in order to move to Panama, after the Los Angeles fires.

via: Out

Out Olympic gold medalist, Greg Louganis, shared the details of his move to Panama in a statement uploaded to his Facebook page on Friday. In the post, Louganis, who came out as gay in 1994 and shared that he was HIV-positive in 1995, auctioned and sold three of his five Olympic medals. According to Cllct.com, he sold two gold and one silver medal for $430,865—his first silver medal from the 1976 Olympics, a gold from the 1984 games in Los Angeles, and another gold from the 1988 Seoul Olympic games.

Louganis, who is known as one of the greatest American divers of all time, detailed the reasons he parted with his medals in the post and wrote, "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," he wrote. "If I had proper management, I might not have been in that position, but what is done is done; live and learn."

He shared in the post that he also sold his California home and says he is "VERY happy" with the person he sold it to. Louganis writes that he was doing his best not to have to make the move, but ultimately took the leap. "A thought occurred to me, I had many friends, people I was close to, lost everything in the Woolsey Fire, and then the Palisades Fire just this year," the statement reads. "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."

The Olympic gold medalist is optimistic about this next chapter and writes that he is looking forward to the opportunity to rediscover himself a bit more, "Without the distraction and noise from outside. At least this is my goal, and hey, I may not find that," and adds, "I think I may find it at times, in moments, my goal is to live it! Discover, allow, and nurture that human spirit through the experiences of life.”