History of Gary Hall Jr. in Timeline

Gary Hall Jr. is a retired American competition swimmer who competed in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics, earning ten medals. A former world record holder in relay events, Hall was known for his showmanship and theatrical pre-race routines, which included boxing-inspired gestures and attire. His flamboyant persona made him a memorable figure in the world of competitive swimming.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1924: Duke Kahanamoku's Olympic Appearance

In 2004, Gary Hall Jr. became the oldest American male Olympic swimmer since Duke Kahanamoku competed at age 34 in 1924.

1968: Gary Hall Sr. at the 1968 Olympics

In 1968, Gary Hall Sr., Gary Hall Jr.'s father, competed in the Olympics as a swimmer.

1972: Gary Hall Sr. at the 1972 Olympics

In 1972, Gary Hall Sr., Gary Hall Jr.'s father, competed in the Olympics as a swimmer.

September 26, 1974: Gary Hall Jr.'s Birth

On September 26, 1974, Gary Wayne Hall Jr. was born. He later became an American competition swimmer and Olympic medalist.

Others born on this day/year

1976: Family Participation in the 1976 Olympics

In 1976, Gary Hall Sr. competed in the Olympics. Also, Charles Keating III, Gary Hall Jr.'s maternal uncle, swam in the Olympics in 1976.

1996: 1996 Olympics

In 1996, Gary Hall Jr. represented the United States at the Olympics.

1998: Suspension for Marijuana Use

In 1998, Gary Hall Jr. was suspended by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) for marijuana use.

1999: Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes

In 1999, Gary Hall Jr. was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Following his diagnosis, he took a short break from swimming.

2000: Success at the 2000 Summer Olympics

During the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Gary Hall Jr. won the gold medal in the individual 50 m freestyle, tying with Anthony Ervin, and won gold and silver in the team relays. He also won a bronze in the individual 100-meter freestyle race.

2000: 2000 Olympics

In 2000, Gary Hall Jr. represented the United States at the Olympics.

2000: Success at the U.S. Olympic Trials

In 2000, Gary Hall Jr. returned to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials, winning the 50 m freestyle and placing second in the 100 m freestyle. His 50 m time of 21.76 seconds set a new American record.

2000: The Race Club Formation

In 2000, Gary Hall and his father Gary Hall Sr. founded The Race Club, a swimming club originally known as "The World Team", to train elite swimmers for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

2004: Achievements at the 2004 Summer Olympics

At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Gary Hall Jr. won the gold medal in the 50 m freestyle. He also won a bronze medal for competing in the preliminary heat of the 4 × 100-meter freestyle relay.

2004: Fine During the 2004 Olympics

During the 2004 Olympics, Gary Hall Jr. was fined for wearing an Everlast-made robe, violating the uniform supply agreement with Speedo.

2004: 2004 Olympics

In 2004, Gary Hall Jr. represented the United States at the Olympics.

2006: Shark Attack on Bebe Hall

In the summer of 2006, Gary Hall's sister, Bebe Hall, was attacked by a blacktip reef shark near Islamorada while spearfishing with Gary. Gary repeatedly punched the shark and his sister shot a spear into it.

July 5, 2008: Failure to Qualify for the 2008 Olympic Team

On July 5, 2008, Gary Hall Jr. did not qualify for the 2008 Olympic team after finishing fourth in the 50-meter finals at the US Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska.

2008: Hall's Comparison of Amy Van Dyken to Marion Jones

In 2008, Gary Hall Jr. compared International Swimming Hall of Fame inductee Amy Van Dyken to Marion Jones, both clients of BALCO, criticizing performance-enhancing drug use.