Former American swimmer Ryan Lochte (41 years old) made almost $400,000 from the auction of three Olympic gold medals put up for sale two weeks ago. The highest price went to the 4×200 freestyle relay medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics: $183,000, followed by the 4×200 freestyle relay medal at Rio 2016 ($122,000) and the Athens 2004 relay ($88,520).
Two weeks ago, the American explained on Instagram the reasons for this choice: a response to his ex-wife, Kayla Reid, and the therapy that leads him in a “transformative journey that helps me discover aspects of myself that I previously overlooked. I’m making a huge effort to separate myself from the past, because I’ve really moved on. I am deeply sorry for causing disappointment to the people in my life, including the mother of my children. I’d be lying if I said I was a good husband, but I wasn’t. I am dedicated to working with myself every day“.
The starting price was $20,000
Lochte, who had previously offered three silver and three bronze medals in 2022, added: “I never swam for gold medals. My passion has always been to be one of the best swimmers in the world. Those medals were just the icing on the cake of an incredible journey. With 90 international medals, including Olympic, World, Pan Pacific and Pan American Championships, I have been fortunate to achieve more than any other swimmer. But what matters most to me is what I did with them. I gave medals to the fans and the kids in the stands because it wasn’t just about me. They were about inspiring future generations and helping them follow their dreams. The memories, the hard work and the connection with all of you are what I hold dearest. I ask for your understanding and mercy as I navigate this complex situation“.
The starting bid was $20,000, and prices have risen over the past 24 hours. He has previously given non-Olympic medals to fans throughout his career. “My Olympic medals are memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, but now I want them to do more than sit on a shelf. I’m passing them on so you can inspire and empower others. If these medals can give someone hope, fuel their dreams or help them reach their full potential, then this is the best way I can give back“.
And the Romanian athlete David Popovici auctioned some of his medals for a noble purpose.
