TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- A burglar stole three gold medals won by an Arizona woman at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, her husband said.
Melissa Belote Ripley had taken the medals out of her safe deposit box for a speaking engagement at a school, The Arizona Republic reported Thursday. Her husband, Rich Ripley, said they were in a dresser drawer when someone broke into their house in Tempe on Wednesday.
"They only took things that they could easily pick up like jewelry, my son's iPod, and the medals. They didn't touch televisions, computers, or anything like that," Rich Ripley said.
Rich Ripley discovered the theft. His wife was out of town watching their daughter compete in a swimming event.
Melissa Ripley was 15-year-old Melissa Belote when she won the medals in two backstroke events and as part of the winning team in the 400-meter medley relay.
Rich Ripley said he and his wife hope the medals will be returned.
"They're irreplaceable to her," he said. "But there's no monetary value to them if you melt them down. Hopefully nobody does that."
