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Biography
THE GODFATHER OF SWIMMING
As a third generation swimmer, Gary Hall Jr. was born to swim. He practically grew up in the water, spending summers and holidays with his grandfather in Cat Key, Bahamas, fishing and diving. His grandfather, an NCAA Champion and swimming legend, would toss coins into the depth of the sea to test his grandchildren. Hall, the oldest of the six children, would return with his pockets full.
At the time, no one knew what the future held for the lanky free-spirited child, but they were sure it would involve water. The little boy who loved to dive for coins would someday turn those coins into Olympic gold. Today, Gary is one of the most highly decorated and recognized American athletes in Olympic history.
Some thought Gary’s ascension to the top was a foregone conclusion as both his father and uncle were Olympic swimmers, not to mention his grandfather’s national swimming achievements. But genetics was almost his downfall, dealing a blow that threatened not only his career, but his life. In 1999, Hall was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Doctors told Hall he would never again be able to train and perform at the elite level that saw him win four Olympic medals, including two gold, at the 1996 Olympics. There was no precedence of elite swimmers successfully training and competing with diabetes.
Hall found solace in the ocean, mentally preparing himself for life without competitive swimming. During his retreat, he extensively researched diabetes and learned to closely monitor his blood glucose levels. While in the water, Hall began to further exert himself, both fishing and diving. Never afraid of a challenge, Hall became determined to once again compete again.
Just a year after his diagnosis, Hall won two Olympic gold medals in Sydney in 2000, including his first individual gold as he broke the American record while winning the 50-meter freestyle. In 2004 Hall defended his 50m free title at the Athens Games, where at 29 he became the oldest male in 80 years to win gold for the U.S. swimming team. His third Olympic appearance also made history in another way as is made Gary Hall Sr. and Jr. the first father/son duo to compete in three Olympic Games.
TRANSCENDING SPORT
As anyone diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Hall’s life significantly changed, but his dreams remained the same. Through a healthy and active lifestyle and a balanced diet, Hall was able to win six Olympic medals after his diagnosis. Hall currently works with companies in the health and wellness field, including Becton, Dickinson and Company and Eli Lilly, as an advocate for the heights you can reach with proper diabetes management.
There are currently 20 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. and it is projected to reach 370 million people by 2030. Passionate about advancements towards a cure, Hall testified on Congressional panels regarding stem cell research, diabetes awareness and funding. He also acts as a celebrity spokesman for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and sits on the board of directors for the Diabetes Research Institute. USA Swimming presented Hall with the first and only Humanitarian Award for his efforts in the diabetes community.
Hall travels the country as a motivational speaker, addressing Universities, conventions, businesses and athletic teams about his experience with diabetes.
Also a savvy businessman, Hall founded The Race Club, an international swimming club based in the Florida Keys in 2003. The mission of the Race Club is to raise awareness and popularity of competitive swimming.
On World Diabetes Day-November 14, 2008, Hall announced his retirement from swimming. Hall announced that he will focus his effort on promoting diabetes awareness and research, working with his sponsors and non-profit organizations.
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