Former Olympic figure skater Surya Bonaly is confronting an unimaginable personal tragedy after criminals stole every single medal from her illustrious 11-year skating career. The 51-year-old athlete, who is currently battling breast cancer, discovered the devastating theft upon returning from Minnesota where she was caring for her seriously ill mother.
The Heartbreaking Discovery
Bonaly returned to her Las Vegas home near Durango and Oakey earlier this month to find her residence in complete disarray. The burglars had broken windows, severed Wi-Fi wires, and destroyed security cameras during the invasion that occurred while she was away supporting her mother through lung, breast, and sternum cancer treatments.
"You see all those medals I won in the past, they are sadly gone," the devastated athlete shared on her Instagram account. The stolen collection represents her entire competitive legacy, including prestigious championships that defined her career.
Organized Crime Suspected in Multiple Break-ins
According to surveillance footage obtained by FOX 5 Vegas, this was no ordinary burglary. Multiple individuals entered her property over several days, with one suspect wearing a black hoodie and another appearing in a delivery vest. Bonaly later discovered a similar vest discarded on a nearby street.
"I think it's definitely organized by a company or some bad people," Bonaly told reporters, expressing her frustration with the calculated nature of the crime. The repeated entries suggest the thieves specifically targeted her valuable sports memorabilia.
A Career of Achievement Wiped Out
The stolen medals represent one of figure skating's most remarkable careers. Bonaly's collection included five consecutive European championship gold medals from 1991 to 1995 and three World silver medals from 1993 to 1995. She also competed in three Winter Olympics, making history at the 1998 Nagano Games by becoming the first woman to land a backflip on one blade—a move that was subsequently banned from competition.
"European champion or world champion, junior, everything, any medals that I had with my skating," she recounted, her voice filled with emotion. "I feel mad. I feel like sometimes I want to cry. Some people just feel like it's better to steal something from someone than to go to work."
Double Health Crisis Compounds the Loss
The timing of the theft adds profound emotional weight to an already difficult period in Bonaly's life. The champion skater is currently fighting breast cancer while simultaneously providing care for her mother who is battling three different cancer diagnoses. The robbery occurred during a three-day trip to Minnesota where Bonaly was assisting with her mother's medical treatment.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has launched a full investigation into the burglary. Bonaly has made an emotional appeal to local residents and pawn shops to be vigilant and report any foreign medals that might surface. "I just hope I can find maybe some medals," she expressed with desperate hope. "I really pray that no one's gonna melt them."
The sports community and fans worldwide have rallied behind the skating legend, sharing her story across social media platforms in hopes that the distinctive medals might be recovered before they're lost forever.
