Advertisement
Now, as the legendary swimmer seeks a third straight gold medal at the2008 Beijing Games, Hall is teaming up with Lilly again to help inspire peopleaffected by diabetes to achieve dreams of their own.
Advertisement
Lilly, a worldwide leader in diabetes research and treatment, announcedtoday Hall will become an ambassador for the Inspired by Diabetes globalcampaign (inspiredbydiabetes.com) -- a competition that encourages all peopletouched by diabetes, particularly children and their families, to share theirstories through visual and written creative expressions such as art, essays,poems or photography.
By entering the competition, participants have a direct impact on thelives of children with diabetes around the world. For each entry into thecontest, Lilly provides funds to support the care of children with diabetes inthe developing world through the International Diabetes Federation's Life fora Child Program. And in honor of participants from the United States in2007-08, Lilly made a $50,000 donation to the American Diabetes Associationfor scholarships for children from lower-income families to attend ADAdiabetes camps.
A 10-time medalist in the Summer Games, Hall uses his celebrity status toserve as a powerful advocate for diabetes awareness, education and funding,sharing his message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. He hasalso testified in front of the U.S. Congress advocating for more funding fordiabetes research, serves as a celebrity advocate for the Juvenile DiabetesResearch Foundation (JDRF) and was the recipient of the first and only USASwimming Humanitarian Award for his work to raise awareness of diabetes.
"Diabetes is the toughest opponent I've ever faced. In fact, when I wasdiagnosed I was told I wouldn't be able to compete again at a world-classlevel," Hall said. "But I never would have achieved Olympic glory without theinspiration other people with diabetes have given me along the way. That's whyI'm joining the Inspired by Diabetes campaign, encouraging people affected bydiabetes to share their stories with others. The challenges and triumphs ofeveryday diabetes heroes can inspire all of us to achieve our own dreams. Andby telling your story, you can help children with diabetes around the world."
Hall swam to fame during the 1996 Atlanta Games, when he won silver in the50 freestyle and gold as a member of two American relay teams. He wasdiagnosed with diabetes in 1999, and a year later, defied the odds by winninghis first individual gold in the 50 freestyle in Sydney in 2000; in 2004 inAthens he became, at 29 years old, the oldest male in 80 years to win gold forthe U.S. team. His third Olympic appearance also made history in another way:Gary Hall Sr. and Jr. became the first father-son duo to compete in the SummerGames three times.
Hall will compete for a spot in the Beijing Games during the U.S. OlympicSwimming Trials June 29-July 6 in Omaha, Neb., swimming his signature 50freestyle event July 4-5.
"We're thrilled that Gary has joined the Inspired by Diabetes campaign,and believe his story should inspire all of us to rise above challenges andseek the dreams in our lives," said Matt Beebe, Diabetes Brand Leader, LillyUSA. "We're also humbled that Gary has chosen Lilly's Humalog(R) mealtimeinsulin to help him manage his diabetes as he fulfills his own exceptionaldreams. Millions of people around the world use Humalog to help manage theirblood sugar each day, but to know that one of them
