Stolen Olympic Medals of Gella Vandecaveye Recovered
Two historic Olympic Medals reclaimed
In a story that might seem plucked from a heist movie, two Olympic medals belonging to legendary Belgian athlete Gella Vandecaveye have been recovered months after they were stolen.
“Two Olympic medals belonging to former Belgian Gella Vandecaveye They were recovered on a second-hand sales website in Belgium after their robbery in 2023, the Prosecutor’s Office of the East Flanders region announced on Sunday.”
From Atlanta to Sydney, via Brussels-Midi Parking
The recovered medals include a silver one from the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and a bronze from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
“a silver won at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and one bronze from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games They were stolen from the car of the Olympic athlete…
Recovered on a Belgian online marketplace
A Dutch collector discovered the medals on the Belgian online marketplace, 2dehands.be, alerting Vandecaveye who confirmed their authenticity.
“A Dutch collector discovered the objects on the 2dehands.be website and informed Vandecaveye, who recognized them as his.”
A bitter-sweet year for Vandecaveye
2023 was a year of highs and lows for the former athlete. After losing her medals, she was presented with replacement replicas.
“Last year The former Judiciary received replicas of his lost Olympic medals“
Investigation ongoing
Although the seller has been identified, the investigation continues to determine the origin of the medals and the potential involvement of others.
“Although The seller has been identified research continues on the origin of medals and the possible participation of other people…”
Did you know?
Vandecaveye’s silver medal from Atlanta is her most prestigious achievement, as she set an Olympic record in the 3000m steeplechase.
Pro Tips
Always keep an eye on online marketplaces for unusual items. You never know when you might help return a lost piece of history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were these medals stolen?
They were stolen in November 2023.
How were they originally discovered?
A Dutch collector found them on the 2dehands.be website.
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