By: HISTORY.com Editors

1988

Greg Louganis wins Olympic gold the day after suffering head injury

Published: August 17, 2021Last Updated: May 27, 2025

At the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea on September 20, 1988, American diver Greg Louganis wins the gold medal on the springboard despite nearly knocking himself unconscious during a qualifying round dive. With the improbable victory, Louganis—who won gold medals in the 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles—becomes the first man to win back-to-back gold medals in both events, solidifying his claim as the greatest diver ever.

In a qualifying round the previous day, Louganis suffered a serious head injury while attempting a reverse two-and-a-half somersault dive. Bloodied and dazed, he received five stitches from a doctor before returning to the board and finishing third.

“I knew as soon as I was coming off the board that I was going to be close because I could feel it in my own body,” he told ABC’s Barbara Walters in 1995. “What I was concerned about was hitting my hands … I started coming out of the dive and I heard this big hollow thud ... and then I find myself in the water. I just held my head … I just wanted to hold the blood in.”

Louganis, who publicly disclosed that he was gay at the Gay Games in 1994, told Walters in 1995 that he and his coach, Ron O’Brien, knew that he was HIV-positive before the 1988 Olympics. But they didn't tell the public or the Olympic Committee, sparking a controversy. Louganis was criticized for potentially putting at risk the doctor who treated him following his head injury in the qualifying round.

Louganis advocated for the LGBTQ movement following his retirement in 1988.

Timeline

Also on This Day in History

Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on September 20th

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Related Articles

WAVE cheerleaders at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station during World War 2. Sept. 13, 1943. - (BSLOC 2014 17 174) - Image ID: F2B5F7 (RM)

'Bear' Bryant, who became a legend at Alabama, and future Pro Football Hall of Famers were among the all-star collection of talent.

In this Dec. 28, 1975, file photo, Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Drew Pearson (88) nears the end zone on a game-winning 50-yard touchdown pass play in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Bloomington, Minn. Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach explained his game-winning throw by saying, "I closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary. Staubach and Pearson have connected again as part of a project to create a digital collectible of their famous Hail Mary for the Dallas Cowboys against Minnesota in 1975. It's part of an emerging product in sports memorabilia called non-fungible tokens, or NFTs. (AP Photo/File)

The miracle connection between the Dallas Cowboys' stars and Pro Football Hall of Famers stunned the Minnesota Vikings in a 1975 playoff game.

MLB Photos Archive

The first Latino Hall of Famer made charity work a priority.

7 Early NFL Quarterbacks Who Changed the Game

Benny Friedman was the league's 'first real quarterback,' and the Los Angeles Rams' Bob Waterfield, who was married to a famous actress, glamorized the position.

About the author

HISTORY.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen, Christian Zapata and Cristiana Lombardo.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
Greg Louganis wins Olympic gold the day after suffering head injury
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
October 16, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
May 27, 2025
Original Published Date
August 17, 2021

History Every Day

Sign Up for This Day in History

Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us
Flower