The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Monday that defective medals from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will be replaced with identical models.
French media outlet La Lettre reported that over 100 medals have been returned by athletes dissatisfied with their condition. Several Olympians took to social media to highlight the issue, sharing images of their deteriorating awards.
American skateboarder Nyjah Huston, who won bronze in the street skateboarding event on July 29, shared his disappointment.
“These Olympic medals look great when brand new, but after letting it sit on my skin with some sweat and letting my friends wear it, they’re apparently not as high quality as you would think,” Huston wrote in an online post, adding, “It’s looking rough.
Even the front is starting to chip off a little.”
La Lettre attributed the issue to a change in varnish regulations, which led to a last-minute replacement of a key component. This adjustment may have affected the durability of the medal.
Designed by luxury jewellery and watch brand Chaumet, part of the LVMH conglomerate, the 5,084 gold, silver, and bronze medals for Paris 2024 were crafted by Monnaie de Paris. Each medal contains a small piece of the Eiffel Tower, sourced from the monument’s operating company’s stock.
The IOC’s decision to replace the defective medals ensures that affected athletes will receive awards that meet the expected standard of excellence for the Games.
