Some athletes from the Paris Olympics have raised concerns over the rapid deterioration of their medals, prompting the French mint to initiate a replacement process. While the total number of affected medals is not disclosed, it is estimated that over a hundred are being returned, with replacement plans set for early 2025. The medals, designed with iron from the Eiffel Tower, have faced scrutiny after athletes posted images of their degraded appearance.

Recent reports indicate that several medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics have exhibited rapid deterioration, leading some athletes to request replacements. The Monnaie de Paris, the French mint responsible for producing these medals, confirmed its awareness of the complaints and stated that they are taking the matter seriously. While the exact number of medals being replaced remains undisclosed, reports suggest that over a hundred may have been returned due to quality concerns. The mint has stated that they will replace all damaged medals at the athletes’ request in the first quarter of 2025.

The design of the medals, created by the Parisian jewelry house Chaumet, features an embedded hexagonal piece of iron sourced from the Eiffel Tower itself. However, this unique incorporation has recently faced scrutiny as athletes like American skateboarder Nyjah Huston voiced their concerns through social media, sharing images that reflect the medals’ degradation. Their experiences have prompted further dialogue about the medals’ integrity, with some referring to their appearance as reminiscent of “crocodile skin.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed its cooperation with the Paris organizing committee to address these issues, including plans to replace damaged medals systematically. The IOC, however, did not provide specific details about the incidents but has assured that any replacements will match the originals in engraving. As per the reports, the iron pieces embedded in the medals weigh approximately 18 grams, sourced from ferries exchanged during the Eiffel Tower’s renovations.

The medals for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were crafted by the Monnaie de Paris, incorporating historical elements from the Eiffel Tower, which holds significant cultural value for France. As sustainability and heritage merge in the design process, the unique approach of using iron from renovation projects epitomized the modern Olympic ethos. However, the recent complaints from athletes regarding the quality of these medals highlight potential oversight in the manufacturing process, underscoring the need for rigorous quality control, especially when their achievements are symbolized by such items. The engagement of high-profile athletes in voicing their concerns has brought additional attention to the situation.

In summary, the deterioration of medals from the Paris 2024 Games has led to extensive discussions about quality and design integrity. The French mint’s commitment to replacing affected medals reflects a proactive stance towards the complaints raised by athletes. As the Olympic community prepares for proactive measures in addressing the issues, the hope is to ensure that medals symbolize not only athletic achievement but also craftsmanship and pride in Olympic heritage.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com

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