Why Did Greg Louganis Sell His Olympic Medals and House? Net Worth & Ex-Husband Explained

Greg Louganis stands as one of diving’s all-time greats, a four-time Olympic gold medalist whose grace under pressure redefined the sport. From his stunning double golds in springboard and platform at the 1984 Los Angeles Games to repeating the feat in Seoul in 1988 despite a head injury, his career inspired generations of athletes. Yet, even legends face life’s unpredictable twists, prompting tough choices about cherished possessions. What drives such decisions in a storied life like his?

Beyond the pool, Louganis has navigated personal triumphs and challenges, emerging as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness after coming out in 1994. His journey from adopted child in California to global icon includes acting roles and coaching stints, but recent moves signal a fresh chapter. As he turns 65, questions arise about his financial path and past relationships. How do these elements tie into his latest steps?

Why did Greg Louganis sell his medals and home?

Greg Louganis recently auctioned three of his Olympic medals, two golds and one silver, for a combined $437,000, far surpassing expectations, as he prepared to relocate. This move came alongside selling his California home, Louganis said in a social media post that he approached the sale with gratitude. “I thanked and blessed the house to bring joy, love, peace, happiness, and a sense of safety to those who entered the house,” he shared in a statement, reflecting on the emotional weight of parting with it.

His choice drew from the resilience of friends who lost everything in the Woolsey and Palisades wildfires, inspiring him to embrace change voluntarily. Born in San Diego and adopted at nine months, Louganis built his legacy through 47 national titles and 13 world championships, but these sales mark a deliberate shift from past anchors.

The auction’s success stemmed from Louganis’s candid approach, bucking expert advice by being upfront about his needs. “I have auctioned three of my medals, which sold, I believe, because I went against what the ‘experts’ told me last time when I tried the first time,” he explained, adding, “I told the truth; I needed the money.”

This honesty resonated, especially given his history as the first man to sweep diving events in consecutive Olympics. His early fears of heights as a child in Santa Ana contrast with his fearless dives, like earning perfect 10s from all judges internationally. Now, these sales enable a restart abroad, where he aims to explore self-discovery without external noise.

With these assets behind him, attention turns to Louganis’s overall financial standing. How has his remarkable career translated into lasting security?

What is Greg Louganis’ net worth in 2025?

Estimates peg Greg Louganis’s net worth is estimated at $2 million in 2025, drawn from his Olympic earnings, endorsements, and post-diving ventures. His long-term Speedo deal, lasting until 2007, formed a key income stream after his competitive days, supplemented by acting in films like “It’s My Party” and TV appearances. Book sales from his 1995 autobiography, “Breaking the Surface,” which detailed his HIV diagnosis and coming out, added to this figure.

Recent medal sales boosted liquidity, though they represent a fraction of his total assets. Sources like Celebrity Net Worth base this on public data, noting it’s an approximation without private financial disclosures. This net worth reflects a blend of athletic success and advocacy work, including board roles with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation for water safety.

Coaching gigs, such as with SoCal Divers starting in 2011, contribute modestly, while earlier asset sales, like his Malibu property in 2014 for $1.8 million, show strategic financial moves. At 65, Louganis’s wealth supports his advocacy for HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ causes, where he donates auction proceeds. Urban Splatter and other outlets align on the $2 million mark, emphasizing his transition from athlete to activist without massive commercial empires.

Who was Greg Louganis’ ex-husband?

Johnny Chaillot, a paralegal, entered Greg Louganis’s life through Match.com in 2012, leading to their engagement in April 2013 and marriage on October 12, 2013, in Malibu. Their union stood as a milestone for gay couples post-legalization, with Louganis noting at the time, “I already feel different. The ceremony was so reflective and representative of who we are.” They shared nearly eight years together, blending Louganis’s public profile with quieter domestic moments. Chaillot filed for divorce on June 11, 2021, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, marking the end amicably.

In announcing the split during Pride Month 2021, Louganis emphasized gratitude for the legal right to marry, stating, “Marriage among all couples is more often than not challenging, and, particularly during #pridemonth, it’s important that we say how grateful we were to be among the first gay couples to have the privilege to marry legally.” They requested privacy, thanking supporters. Post-divorce, they agreed to share custody of their dog, Roxy, showing mutual respect. Chaillot’s role supported Louganis’s activism, though details remain private beyond court filings.