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Greg Louganis’ Olympic Medals Fetch Over $430,000 at Auction, Outperforming Expectations

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Legendary American diver Greg Louganis has set a new record—not in the pool, but at the auction block. Three of Louganis’ Olympic medals sold for a staggering $430,865 at RR Auction, easily eclipsing the original estimates and drawing worldwide attention from collectors and fans of Olympic memorabilia.

The sale included two gold medals and one silver from Louganis’ storied Olympic career. The gold from his iconic 10-meter platform win at the 1988 Seoul Olympics sold for $201,314, while his 1984 Los Angeles gold in the 3-meter springboard brought in $199,301. Louganis’ first Olympic medal, a silver from the 1976 Montreal Games, also made a splash, selling for $30,250.

Bidders far surpassed the auction house’s $80,000 estimate for the collection, igniting a fierce competition for a piece of history from arguably the greatest diver the United States has ever produced.

Speaking before the auction, Louganis reflected on what it meant to part with the medals that marked the pinnacle of his athletic career. “I hope they bring joy to whom ever got them,” he shared, adding that each medal tells its own story. “I would be more than happy to share stories about them, each one has a unique journey.”

Louganis, now in a period of personal transition, said that selling the medals would help him move forward. “This will also help me to get more secure footing on my new adventure,” he said. “I have learned a part of growth is letting go the past, and letting go of all attachments is true freedom.”

Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction, noted the strong demand for Olympic collectibles from athletes of Louganis’ caliber. “Greg Louganis’ Olympic medals performed exceptionally well in tonight’s auction, reflecting the strong market demand for Olympic memorabilia from legendary athletes,” Livingston said.

Louganis, who is in the process of selling his home, missed a chance to add to his medal count when the U.S. boycotted the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow. Still, his legacy as a four-time Olympic gold medalist and American sports icon remains unmatched—and now, a lucky group of collectors have their own piece of that Olympic history.