Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis made a brief return to the United States over the holidays, visiting family in Hawaii before heading back to his current home in Panama. The 65-year-old champion shared via Instagram that his trip allowed him to reconnect with his biological father, siblings, and to meet new acquaintances in an LGBTQIA+ hiking group, which he described as a heartwarming experience.
During his Hawaiian visit, Louganis reflected on the importance of this time together, stating, “It’s been a good visit here. Also kind of reaffirming that it was a good time to make those changes.” This change of scenery and lifestyle comes after Louganis made the significant decision earlier this year to sell three of his medals and his home to facilitate his move to Panama. He candidly acknowledged the necessity of these financial moves, citing a lack of proper management in his finances as a factor that led to this situation.
Louganis noted that the recent tragedies surrounding his friends, many of whom lost their homes in the Los Angeles wildfires, inspired him to start anew. “I know I am choosing to do this, but their resilience is an inspiration for me to start anew, with an open heart and an open door,” he said. His journey appears to be one of self-discovery, aiming to explore who he is beyond the accolades of his diving career.
As he prepares to settle into life in Panama, Louganis clarified that while he is not permanently relocating just yet, he is open to the possibility in the future. “I think I’m going to be in Panama for a while,” he said with a hint of excitement, recognizing that this adjustment could lead to further personal growth.
In essence, Louganis’s journey speaks to the importance of change and resilience. He is determined to embrace life’s experiences fully, from joy to grief, and to allow his human spirit to thrive in whatever paths he chooses moving forward.