Les O’Connell’s stolen Olympic gold medal replaced after Christchurch burglary
New Zealand rowing legend Les O’Connell has received a replacement Olympic gold medal after his original was stolen in a burglary. The New Zealand Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee collaborated to provide the replacement.
Why it matters
The story highlights the emotional and symbolic value of athletic achievements and the efforts of sporting bodies to support retired athletes.
An Olympic gold medal won by a New Zealand rowing legend has been replaced after it was stolen during a burglary at his Christchurch home.
Leslie “Les” O’Connell, 67, said at the time of the February theft that he and his wife had been in Napier for a wedding when the break-in occurred, leaving their home unattended.
O’Connell said he was “gutted” at the time and appealed directly to those responsible not to destroy the medal .
However, since the theft of his original medal earlier this year, the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has worked with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to secure an official replacement.
O’Connell said the support he received since the theft meant a great deal to him and his family.
“Since the medal was stolen, I’ve been humbled by the level of support and goodwill to find a solution,” O’Connell said.
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