Rusty Medals: Over 100 Athletes Return Paris 2024 Olympic Awards Due to Quality Issues
Numerous athletes have reported rust and tarnish on their medals from the Paris 2024 Olympics, prompting over 100 to return them. Concerns arose after American skateboarder Nyjah Huston shared a photo of his deteriorating bronze medal. The management team responsible for manufacturing the medals has been dismissed following these issues.
Concerns regarding the quality of medals awarded at the Paris 2024 Olympics surfaced when American skateboarder Nyjah Huston disclosed that his bronze medal became tarnished within a week. This revelation prompted multiple athletes, including American fencer Nick Itkin and rugby player Ilona Maher, to report similar experiences. British diver Yasmin Harper, who achieved bronze in women’s 3 m synchronized platform diving, also expressed unease over her medal’s condition, noting visible tarnish that she suspected resulted from moisture exposure.
Additionally, French swimmers Clement Secchi and Yohann Ndoye-Brouard disclosed that their bronze medal from the 4x100m medley relay had suffered deterioration, sharing photographic evidence on social media. Subsequently, a report by French newspaper La Lettre revealed that over 100 athletes have returned their medals to the organizing committee for the upcoming Olympics. The management team of Monnaie de Paris, tasked with the medal production, has reportedly been dismissed due to these issues.
The medals were designed by French luxury jeweler Chaumet and incorporated hexagonal steel plates sourced from the Eiffel Tower during renovations in the past century. Typically, Olympic gold medals comprise silver that is plated with gold, while bronze medals are an alloy containing copper, zinc, and tin. The oxidation of copper when exposed to air and moisture can lead to considerable degradation, particularly if inferior materials are utilized in the manufacturing process.
Of the 207 delegations participating in the Paris Olympics, 91 nations won at least one medal. Notably, Vietnam dispatched 16 athletes, yet did not secure any medals, with shooter Trinh Thu Vinh achieving the closest finish by placing fourth in the women’s 10m air pistol event.
Recent developments have shed light on the condition of medals awarded at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with multiple athletes reporting corrosion and tarnishing soon after receiving them. The situation raises significant questions about the quality control measures employed in the production of Olympic medals. This issue impacts athletes’ perceptions of their achievements and raises broader concerns regarding the integrity of the Olympic Games. The historical context of medal design, which includes materials from iconic national landmarks, adds an interesting layer to the conversation surrounding medal quality.
The revelations concerning the rust and tarnish on Olympic medals awarded at the Paris 2024 Games have raised alarm among athletes and spectators alike. The swift return of over 100 medals to the organizing committee underscores the seriousness of these quality concerns, leading to the dismissal of the responsible management. As the Games approach, ensuring the integrity and quality of medals will be crucial for maintaining the prestige associated with this esteemed international event.
Original Source: e.vnexpress.net
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