Los Angeles – Bonhams is delighted to announce the forthcoming auction of three Olympic medals belonging to the legendary American Olympic diver, Greg Louganis. The three medals – 1988 Gold (estimate: $800,000 – 1.2 million), 1984 Gold (estimate: $600,000 – 900,000), and 1976 Silver (estimate: $200,000 – 300,000) – will make a world tour this summer beginning in Los Angeles followed by New York, London, and then returning to Los Angeles for the final sale on September 14. Louganis is raising money for an HIV/AIDS service organisation that he has long championed.

Greg Louganis is widely regarded as the greatest diver of all time, having achieved extraordinary success throughout his career. He made history as the only male athlete to win back-to-back gold medals in both springboard and platform events at the Olympics, triumphing in 1984 and 1988. Louganis' exceptional skills and remarkable achievements have earned him 5 Olympic medals, 5 world championship titles, and 47 national titles, setting a record that no other diver has come close to reaching. In fact, he likely would have had 2 more gold medals had it not been for a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980, where he was a favourite to win. In 1979 he won gold medals in both the springboard and the platform events at the Pan-American Games.

Described as "poetry in motion," Louganis' diving performances captivated audiences worldwide. His ability to gracefully spin and twist in the air before piercing the water's surface with precision and elegance was truly magical. Louganis' legacy extends beyond his diving statistics, recognised as a LGBTQ+ icon, courageously coming out publicly at the 1994 Gay Games in New York and sharing his HIV+ status through his memoir, "Breaking the Surface," published in 1995. Louganis aimed to motivate others and dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV. By showcasing that being HIV+ did not prevent him from achieving Olympic gold, he shattered barriers and inspired positive change.

Bonhams is privileged to present three Olympic medals from Louganis's extraordinary career, representing pivotal moments in his journey:

· 1976 Silver Medal, Men's Ten-Meter Platform: At just 16 years old, Louganis made the Olympic team, defying the expectations placed upon him. Despite facing setbacks and self-doubt, he secured a silver medal, an early indication of the greatness that awaited him.

· 1984 Gold Medal, Men's 3-metre Springboard: Louganis' dominance was fully on display during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he claimed gold in both the springboard and platform events. Breaking the 700-point mark for the first time in Olympic history, he left a lasting legacy of excellence.

· 1988 Gold Medal, Men's 10-metre Platform: Louganis' final appearance as a competitor at the Seoul Summer Olympic Games was marked by both triumph and adversity. Despite suffering a head injury during a dive while battling with his HIV+ status and the difficult treatment regimen keeping him alive, he demonstrated immense resilience and secured another gold medal.

"These medals encapsulate the indomitable spirit and extraordinary achievements of Louganis, representing the pinnacle of his career," commented Catherine Williamson, Director of the Fine Books and Manuscripts at Bonhams in Los Angeles. Bonhams is also pleased to offer other items from Louganis' athletic career, including a US Olympic Flag, vintage photographs, and one of his Speedos. More details on the auction will be released in the forthcoming weeks.