Story perspectives
Gold Medalists Struggle: Debt, Health Crises, and Fundraisers
2/2/2026
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Story summary
- Former Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte sold three gold medals for $385,520 to cover debt.
- Debi Thomas, Olympic figure skater, lost her medical license and lived in a trailer.
- Mary Lou Retton, Olympic gymnast, faced health and legal issues, prompting a fundraiser for medical bills.
- Rulon Gardner, Olympic wrestler, declared bankruptcy despite his gold-medal status, with Klete Keller also facing financial hardship.
- Jessica Ramsey balances athletic dreams with a bakery job.
