Ryan Lochte Auctioning 3 Olympic Gold Medals From Historic Swimming Career

United States swimming icon Ryan Lochte is parting ways with some of his Olympic hardware.

The 12-time Olympic medalist is auctioning off three of his six gold medals with Goldin Auctions, he announced on Instagram. The auction will include gold medals from the 2004 Olympics in Athens, the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Lochte also won gold twice at the 2012 Olympics in London, but isn't including either medal in the auction.

"My Olympic medals represent memories I'll carry for life, but now I want them to do more than sit on a shelf," Lochte told People magazine.

He added that he hopes to "inspire" others by parting ways with his medals, which will be available at Goldin's December Elite Auction.

"I'm passing them on so they can help inspire and empower others. If these medals can give someone hope, fuel their dreams or help them reach their full potential," he said. "Then this is the greatest way I can give back."