OCEANSIDE (CNS/News 8) - Investigators Tuesday recovered an Oceanside woman's Olympic gold medal, which was stolen during a burglary last month, and arrested three men suspected of breaking into and looting her home.
Police found Tristan Geisler's gold medal won in women's skeleton at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, along with jewelry and other items belonging to her while serving one of two search warrants in Oceanside, Lt. Leonard Mata said.
"I really had conceded that this was it: this is definitely not coming back," Geisler told News 8.
Geisler said police told her the award was not completely intact.
"He said they did cut the ribbon off the medal, but that's okay!" Geisler said. " have spare ribbons.. That's just fine!"
Burglars made off with the valuables Jan. 26, while Geisler, 30, was walking her dog.
Other stolen property recovered during the searches on Dubuque and Greenbrier streets included two assault rifles, according to Mata. It was not immediately clear who owns the firearms.
Geisler emphasized she was overwhelmed by and grateful for both the police department's work, and the community's support in trying to help recover her medal.
"I am so appreciative," she said "This was totally out of my control. All I could do was sit back and wait for this to come back"
Geisler is a MiraCosta College art student who is married to a Marine Corps pilot based at Camp Pendleton.
Mata declined to immediately release the suspected burglars' names, citing ongoing investigations in the case.
Skeleton is a headfirst sledding competition.
