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Gary Hall, Jr.
- 10-time U.S. Olympic medalist, competing in the 1996, 2000, 2004 Olympic Games
- At age 29, became the oldest U.S. male in 80 years to win gold, when he defended his 50m freestyle title at the 2004 Olympic Games
- Won four medals at both the 2000 and 1996 Olympic Games
- Diagnosed with diabetes in 1999; has become a national spokesperson for the American Diabetes Associations
- Son of Gary Sr. (three-time U.S. Olympian 1968, 1972 and 1976; was the U.S. flag bearer in 1976).
- Fourth on the all-time list of most U.S. swimming medals with behind Jenny Thompson (12), Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi (11 each).
- Diagnosed with diabetes in March of 1999 and considered retirement briefly -- "I lost all of my sponsors. I didn't have any income. I sold my car just to make it to the Olympic Trials, just for the chance to go to the Olympic Games."
- Perhaps the most charimatic swimmer of his generation, Hall delights fans and intimidates opponents before big races by striking a double biceps pose, kissing both biceps, and throwing a phantom right-handed uppercut knock-out blow.
- 2004 USA Swimming Athlete Humanitarian for his work on behalf of diabetics and diabetes awareness
- Steve Woodward, ESPN: "He has battled diabetes every day of his life since 1999, but wouldn't it be cool to be Gary Hall Jr.? He says what he thinks and thinks what he says. And what he says makes sense."
- Joined his father, Gary Hall Sr. as the only father/son duo in Olympic history in any sport to make three Olympics each.
- Trained for the 2004 Olympic Trials in Islamorada with a swim club that he founded -- The Race Club -- that featured superstar sprinters from around the world
- Uses innovated training techniques including hitting the speed bag -- Gary is the only swimmer sponsored by boxing's Everlast -- and underwater spear fishing in the Florida Keys
- Qualified for the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team wearing Everlast shorts, designed by the same person who made outfits for Muhammad Ali
- Restored a purple VW Microbus with a silver top that won first prize in bus/Type 2 (mild mods, 1967 and earlier) at Bug-O-Rama XIX.
- In 2000, Hall and his training partner, Anthony Ervin, both touched the wall in 21.98 in the 50m freestyle to become the first male pair to tie for an Olympic gold medal
On being an elite athlete with diabetes: "Not too long ago, this was a debilitating disease. I hope my accomplishment will let the world know that diabetes or any other disease doesn't have to be the end. You can still do anything you set your mind to."
Related Links
Tips: Gary Hall's tips on spear fishing, boxing
Ask an Olympian: What are you up to, are you still competing?
Official Web site: Gary Hall, Jr.
On his persistence: “There is a song by 'The Clash' that states, ‘I’ve been beat up, I’ve been thrown out, but I’m not down’. And that’s me.”
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Height: 6' 6
Born: 9/26/1974
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Resides: Phoenix, Ariz.
Sport: Swimming
Event: 50m & 100m freestyle
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