The Cohasset Triathlon is thrilled to have 10-time Olympic medalist Gary Hall Jr participate in the 2010 race! Hall is one of the most highly decorated and recognized American athletes in Olympic history. Just a year after his diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes, Hall won two Olympic gold medals in Sydney in 2000, including his first individual gold as he broke the American record while winning the 50-meter freestyle. In 2004, Hall defended his 50m free title at the Athens Games, where at 29 he became the oldest male in 80 years to win gold for the U.S. Swimming Team. Through dedication and determination, as well as a healthy and active lifestyle and a balanced diet, Hall went on to win six more Olympic medals.

There are currently 20 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. and it is projected to reach 370 million people by 2030. As anyone diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes knows, life changes drastically. While Hall's life changed, his dreams remained the same. He continued his Olympic journey and proved his true athletic abilities in the pool; however many of the Hall's most influential moments occurred in the community. Hall serves as an advocate for proper diabetes management. While he has retired from competitive swimming, Hall continues to use swimming and athletics as a tool to managing a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Through numerous community engagements, Hall has touched the lives of individuals across the country and served as a true inspiration.

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 regional Board of Directors for the Diabetes Research Institute. Hall founded the Gary Hall, Jr. Foundation for Diabetes with the goal of reaching out to people managing diabetes and raising awareness, funding and providing critically needed supplies and resources to those who need it most. Hall was the recipient of USA Swimming's first 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.