Olympians reveal the true condition of their Paris 2024 medals five months after the games, amid ongoing controversy.
Five months after the Paris 2024 Olympics, many athletes are expressing concerns about the condition of their medals.
Reports of medals deteriorating quickly have overshadowed the excitement of winning.
This situation has raised questions about the quality of the awards given to the athletes.
The 2024 Paris Games medals are not lasting as expected
When athletes received their medals, they hoped these symbols of achievement would last a lifetime.
However, some have noticed their awards showing signs of wear and tear much sooner than anticipated.
Athletes are sharing their experiences on social media, and the issues they face with their awards.
French swimmers share their concern over the medals
Two French swimmers, Clement Secchi and Yohann Ndoye-Brouard, have gone viral for posting pictures of their bronze medals.
Secchi described his medal as scaly, likening it to “crocodile skin.”
He noted that the color had faded significantly just months after receiving it.
Ndoye-Brouard humorously added that his medal looked older than its actual age, comparing it to an item from 1924 rather than 2024.
😭😭 Paris 1924 pic.twitter.com/WzfoV3ECQt
— Yohann Ndoye Brouard (@yohann_2911) December 28, 2024
Complaints from other athletes
The problems with the awards are not limited to the French swimmers.
US skateboarder Nyjah Huston also expressed disappointment after noticing his bronze medal looked worn just a week after he got it.
He shared on Instagram that the medal seemed like it had “been to war and back.”
“These Olympic medals look great when they’re brand-new.
“But after letting it sit on my skin with some sweat for a little bit and letting my friends wear it over the weekend.
“They’re apparently not as high quality as you’d think.”
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade won gold but refused to wear her medals due to scratches.
Danish badminton player Viktor Axelsen compared his Paris medal to one he received at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
He noted that the older medal appeared to be in better condition.
Official response to the medal issues
Following these complaints, officials from the Paris 2024 Games addressed the issue.
They assured athletes that they were taking the matter seriously.
They are working with the Monnaie de Paris, the organization responsible for making the medals.
A spokesperson stated they are investigating the damage and will replace any defective medals.
“Paris 2024 is aware of a social media report from an athlete whose medal is showing damage a few days after it was awarded.
“The medals are the most coveted objects of the Games and the most precious for the athletes.
“Damaged medals will be systematically replaced by the Monnaie de Paris and engraved in an identical way to the originals.”