Olympic rowing champion Les O’Connell has received a replacement gold medal after his original was stolen in a burglary at his Christchurch home earlier this year.

O’Connell won gold in the men’s coxless four at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Following the theft, the New Zealand Olympic Committee worked with the International Olympic Committee to secure an official replacement.

“Since the medal was stolen, I’ve been humbled by the level of support and goodwill to find a solution. I’m incredibly grateful to the NZOC and the IOC for making this possible,” O’Connell said.

The medal’s significance extends to younger generations of his family, who have taken it on school visits to share his Olympic achievement with other children.

“It means a great deal for the second and third generations of my family, particularly around Olympic time, the medal normally goes on school trips, it’s really valuable to show kids what you can achieve and the medal is a symbol of that.”

“The kids love handling it, they love touching it, they love putting around their neck. If that inspires someone to do something, that’s good,” he said.

Despite receiving the replacement, O’Connell has not given up hope of being reunited with his original medal.

“I would still love to see the original returned as it’s of no value to anyone else. If there’s someone out there who has the medal or knows something, please do the right thing and return it,” he said.

New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol thanked the International Olympic Committee for helping replace the medal.

“Winning an Olympic gold medal is something many athletes aspire to, but few have the honour of achieving. We’re grateful to the IOC for helping replace this special taonga for Les,” she said.

“These athletes helped shape New Zealand’s sporting legacy and their achievements continue to inspire generations of New Zealanders. As we head back to Los Angeles in 2028, we do so with pride, following in the footsteps of what Les and his crew achieved there in 1984.”