The 2024 Paris Olympics, celebrated for its grandeur and historical connections, has faced an unexpected post-event controversy. Reports of tarnished and flaking medals have surfaced, leaving many athletes disheartened. Medals, symbols of athletic triumph, are now losing their luster—literally and figuratively.
Athletes Report Damaged Medals
French swimmer Yohann Ndoye-Brouard described his bronze medal’s finish as resembling “crocodile skin,” while skateboarder Nyjah Huston and diver Yasmin Harper also reported similar issues. The problem has been so widespread that social media became flooded with images of discolored medals, sparking widespread concern.
IOC and French Mint Respond
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Monnaie de Paris, the official medal manufacturer, have acknowledged flaws in the varnishing process. Since August, over 100 medals have been returned for replacement. The French Mint issued a statement assuring that damaged medals would be replaced by the first quarter of 2025, identical to their originals, down to the engraving.
To facilitate the process, national Olympic committees have been contacted to ensure smooth exchanges. Despite these efforts, the durability issues of medals—crafted with iron from the Eiffel Tower and a copper-zinc alloy—raise questions about their long-term quality.
A Symbolic Design with Flaws
Designed by Chaumet, the medals were intended to reflect French heritage, featuring hexagonal designs and iron from the Eiffel Tower. However, the materials—97% copper and 2.5% zinc—appear to lack the resilience expected of Olympic medals, further compounding the issue.
Can All Medals Be Replaced?
With over 5,084 medals crafted for both the Olympics and Paralympics, ensuring replacements for all damaged medals is a massive undertaking. While the IOC’s response is commendable, doubts linger about whether all replacements can meet the promised deadline.
The Bigger Picture
This incident underscores the importance of durability in commemorative items meant to last a lifetime. Athletes are left with fragile pieces of history, better suited for display than active wear. As the IOC addresses these issues, it raises a critical question: will future Olympics learn from Paris 2024 and prioritize both symbolism and durability?
For now, athletes must wait for their replacements while hoping that the next generation of medals can withstand the test of time.