Emotional Recovery After Months of Uncertainty
Gella Vandecaveye Olympic medals stolen in 2023 were finally recovered in Antwerp after a months-long investigation. When the medals were discovered for sale online, they were revealed to be silver from Atlanta 1996 and bronze from Sydney 2000.
Criminal Investigation Is Started by an Online Listing
Police made the breakthrough after finding the medals on the Belgian classifieds website 2dehands.be. The vendor was soon located by authorities, and two homes in the Antwerp area were searched as a result. Authorities confiscated the medals during the operation.
Emotional Rollercoaster for Vandecaveye
Vandecaveye expressed deep emotion upon hearing the news. “The past two days have been a whirlwind. Messages were coming in from everywhere,” she shared. The widespread public support and online outrage over the theft added to the overwhelming experience.
Original Medals Matter Most
While the International Olympic Committee provided replica medals, Vandecaveye insisted on the importance of recovering the originals. “They’re part of my history,” she said. “The main thing for me is getting the two originals back. I want to play this game correctly.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are currently questioning the seller. Investigators are also investigating if the attempted transaction included other people. Officials will soon return the medals to Vandecaveye after securing them in safe care.
The Champion’s Legacy
Gella Vandecaveye is a prominent figure in Belgian sports. Her achievements at the Games in Sydney and Atlanta brought honor to her country. The return of her medals not only stops the theft but also reclaims a piece of Olympic history.
Source: The Brussels Times
