Olympians Request NEW Medals After 2025 Paris Awards Start to Deteriorate

Olympic glory tarnishes as Paris 2024 medals show signs of deterioration, prompting swift action from organizers.

At a Glance

  • Over 100 medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics are deteriorating rapidly
  • The French mint, Monnaie de Paris, is replacing damaged medals and has modified its varnishing process
  • Medals were designed with iron from the Eiffel Tower, weighing 18 grams per medal
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is coordinating replacements with Paris organizers
  • Indian athletes are among those reporting issues with their bronze medals

Paris 2024 Medals: A Tarnished Legacy

Athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics have reported that their hard-earned medals are quickly losing their luster, with some showing signs of tarnishing and fading shortly after the Games concluded. This issue has cast a shadow over what should be enduring symbols of athletic excellence.

The French mint, Monnaie de Paris, responsible for crafting the 5,084 medals for the Paris Games, has acknowledged the problem. They have initiated a replacement strategy to address the concerns of affected athletes. This swift response aims to preserve the integrity of the Olympic awards and maintain the prestige associated with these coveted prizes.

How embarrassing for France!

A Piece of History Compromised

The Paris 2024 medals were designed with a unique touch of French heritage. Each medal incorporated a piece of iron sourced from the Eiffel Tower, weighing 18 grams, obtained during renovation work on the iconic structure. This innovative design, created in collaboration with Parisian jewelry house Chaumet, was meant to symbolize a lasting connection between the athletes’ achievements and the host city’s most recognizable landmark.

“The Monnaie de Paris has taken the issue of damaged medals very seriously since the first exchange requests in August, and has mobilized its internal teams. Since then, the company has modified and optimized its relative varnishing process. The Monnaie de Paris will replace all damaged medals at the athletes’ request during the first quarter of 2025,” the French mint said.

However, the deterioration of these medals has raised questions about the manufacturing process and the durability of the materials used. The French mint has responded by refining its varnishing technique to ensure future medals maintain their brilliance and resist tarnishing

The issue has affected athletes worldwide, with over 100 medals reportedly returned for replacement. Notable figures such as American skateboarder Nyjah Huston and French swimmers Yohann Ndoye-Brouard and Clement Secchi have publicly shared their concerns about the medals’ deterioration.

“Damaged medals will be systematically replaced by the Monnaie de Paris and engraved in an identical way to the originals,” The IOC said.

Indian athletes have been particularly vocal about the issue. Bronze medalists Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale have reported their medals losing shine and showing signs of wear. This has prompted the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to take action, with IOA President PT Usha assuring support for affected athletes in seeking replacements.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is working closely with Paris organizers and national Olympic committees to address the issue comprehensively. The goal is to ensure that all athletes receive medals that truly reflect the magnitude of their accomplishments.