In a post on Facebook, Louganis, who is 65 years old, wrote, “I have auctioned three of my medals, which sold, I believe, because I went against what the ‘experts’ told me last time when I tried the first time.” The reason was that he “needed the money.”

He didn’t just sell his medals. He also sold his California home. He shared, “The other consideration is the sale of my house. I am VERY happy with whom I sold it to.”

The two gold medals and one silver medal he sold earned him over $437,000, which is more than he expected to make.

Why did he sell his medals and his home? He is moving to Panama.

Jean_Nelson via Deposit Photos

He explained that part of his decision to move came as a result of friends who “lost everything in the Woolsey Fire, and then the Palasades Fire just this year.” He wrote, “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. Opening up to possibilities.”

His goal is to really live his life in a way he never has before. He shared, “Now I get to discover who is Greg Louganis? Without the distraction and noise from outside. At least this is my goal, and hey, I may not find that.”

He continued, “I think I may find it at times, in moments, my goal is to live it! Discover, allow, and nurture that human spirit through the experiences of life. To be joyful in the moments, embrace the grief, the anger, and the laughter, and embrace it all, feel it all in this experience we call our lives.”

He ended the post by adding, “Will be checking in from Panama!”

Watch the video below to learn Louganis reflect on his life.