Gella Vandecaveye, a former judoka and Olympic medalist, has found herself at the center of a dramatic saga involving her stolen Olympic medals. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Vandecaveye discovered that her two medals, which were stolen from her car in November 2023, were being offered for sale on the Belgian classifieds website 2dehands.be. This shocking revelation came to light thanks to a Dutch medal collector who alerted her to the listing.
"I was overwhelmed with messages this morning about my Olympic medals being for sale. It’s all very exciting," Vandecaveye said, expressing her disbelief at the sudden reemergence of her prized possessions. The medals, which include a silver from the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and a bronze from Sydney in 2000, were stolen from her vehicle parked in an underground lot at Brussels-South station.
The seller, who claimed to have purchased the medals honestly, has yet to be identified. However, the police acted swiftly, tracing both the medals and the seller, leading to searches in the province of Antwerp. Following these actions, the medals were confiscated and handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office of East Flanders.
"I am 300% sure that these are my Olympic medals because my name is engraved on the back of the bronze medal," Vandecaveye confirmed. The emotional value of these medals is immense for her, far surpassing any monetary worth. Bids for the medals reportedly reached as high as 10 million euros, showcasing the intense interest in Vandecaveye's Olympic legacy.
As the investigation unfolds, the prosecutor's office has assured Vandecaveye that everything possible is being done to return her medals to her as quickly as possible. "It’s a huge relief to know that they are safe and that I will soon have them back," she stated, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of the past few days.
Despite the theft, Vandecaveye has remained positive. She received two replica medals last year, which she considers symbolic but acknowledges that they do not hold the same emotional weight as the originals. "I will take good care of them just like I did before, and I will share them with people again. There’s no point in hiding them away in a safe," she said, emphasizing her desire to keep the spirit of her achievements alive.
Vandecaveye is also considering reaching out to the Belgian Olympic Committee (BOIC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the replicas. She signed a document with the IOC stating that the medals cannot be commercialized, which raises questions about the future of her replicas.
In the wake of this incident, Vandecaveye has expressed her disbelief at the audacity of someone trying to sell such significant items online. "How ridiculous can you be to put these medals up for sale on 2dehands.be?" she remarked, highlighting the extensive media coverage surrounding the theft when it first occurred.
As the police continue their investigation into the origin of the medals and the potential involvement of other individuals, the seller is currently undergoing further interrogation. Vandecaveye's story has captured public interest, not just for the theft itself but for the emotional journey she has undergone since the medals were taken.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder of the emotional connections athletes have with their achievements. Vandecaveye's determination to reclaim her medals speaks volumes about the pride and significance attached to these symbols of hard work and dedication. As she prepares to be reunited with her Olympic legacy, the former athlete remains hopeful for a swift resolution to this unusual chapter in her life.
In the coming days, more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses, and Vandecaveye looks forward to having her medals back where they belong.
