Gary Hall, Jr.

As anyone diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Hall’s lifesignificantly changed, but his dreams remained the same. Through a healthy and active lifestyle and a balanced diet, Hall was able to win six Olympic medals after his diagnosis. Hall currently works with companies in the health and wellness field, including Becton, Dickinson and Company and Eli Lilly, as an advocate for the heights you can reach with proper diabetes management.

There are currently 20 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. and it is projected to reach 370 million people by 2030. Passionate about advancements towards a cure, Hall testified on Congressional panels regarding stem cell research, diabetes awareness and funding. He also acts as a celebrity spokesman for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and sits on the board of directors for the Diabetes Research Institute. USA Swimming presented Hall with the first and only Humanitarian Award for his efforts in the diabetes community.

Hall travels the country as a motivational speaker, addressing Universities, conventions, businesses and athletic teams about his experience with diabetes.

Also a savvy businessman, Hall founded The Race Club, an international swimming club based in the Florida Keys in 2003. The mission of the Race Club is to raise awareness and popularity of competitive swimming.

On World Diabetes Day-November 14, 2008, Hall announced his retirement from swimming. Hall announced that he will focus his effort on promoting diabetes awareness and research, working with his sponsors and non-profit organizations.