Greg Louganis, one of America’s most celebrated Olympic divers, has taken a bold step into a completely new life.
At 65, the sporting legend has packed up his belongings, left the U.S. behind, and relocated to Panama, a move that comes after years of private struggles and recent soul-searching.
Opening Up About His Struggles
During a candid Instagram Live session with his dog by his side, Louganis revealed that last year he battled some of the darkest moments of his life.
While attending the Paris Olympics, he admitted he didn’t want to be alive at that time.
He described the depression as “really, really severe” and confessed he felt utterly alone.
Finding a Reason to Keep Going
Despite those painful memories, Louganis now says he sees things differently.
He shared that he has begun to realize he still has much to offer, even if he hasn’t quite figured out what shape that will take.
For him, this stage of life is about “recalibration” and creating space to discover what comes next.
A Life Lived Against the Odds
Louganis reflected on how much his journey has changed over the decades.
From being an Olympic prodigy in his teens and twenties to receiving an HIV-positive diagnosis in 1988, he once believed he wouldn’t live past 30.
Yet today, he says he’s embracing life fully, acknowledging that everyone carries their own healing process.
Letting Go of the Past
Part of this fresh start involved letting go of some deeply meaningful possessions.
Louganis sold three of his Olympic medals—two golds and one silver—at an auction that fetched a staggering $437,000, far beyond initial estimates.
He was honest about the decision, saying he needed the money to begin his new journey abroad.
Saying Goodbye to His California Home
The diver also parted with his longtime California home, selling it with gratitude and even offering a blessing that it would bring “joy, love, peace, happiness, and safety” to its new owners. For Louganis, this wasn’t just a financial transaction but a symbolic step toward starting over with less baggage.
Inspired by Tragedy
He explained that his decision to travel light was influenced by witnessing the devastation of the Woolsey and Palisades wildfires, which destroyed the homes of several close friends.
Their resilience after losing everything reminded him of the importance of beginning again with an open heart.
A Career Beyond Diving
While Louganis is best remembered for his dazzling Olympic performances—winning four golds and one silver across three Games—his life after retirement has been just as dynamic.
He pursued acting, motivational speaking, dog training competitions, and commentary.
In 1994, he came out as gay, and the following year, he revealed he had been living with HIV since the late 1980s.
A Professional Reinvention
Despite his move overseas, Louganis isn’t stepping away from the spotlight entirely.
He recently signed with Innovative Artists Entertainment (IAE), where he’ll focus on new ventures like TV hosting, endorsements, public speaking, and podcast development.
Looking Ahead
Louganis’ journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and courage.
From Olympic podiums to private battles with depression, and now to a new home in Panama, his story is far from over.
He’s stepping into this chapter with hope, openness, and the determination to keep discovering what life still has in store.