Olympic Medals Break as Athletes Celebrate Victories
At the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, athletes faced an unexpected issue with their Olympic medals. Gold medalist Breezy Johnson highlighted serious concerns when several medals broke shortly after being awarded. This prompted an immediate investigation by Olympic organizers.
Medals Breaking During Celebrations
During the opening weekend of the Games, multiple athletes reported that their medals fell off their ribbons. Johnson, a women’s downhill skiing gold medalist, shared her experience, saying, “Don’t jump in them. I was jumping in excitement, and it broke.”
A Noteworthy Incident
Biathlete Justus Strelow had a memorable moment when his mixed relay bronze medal fell to the floor as he celebrated with teammates. Footage from German television captured Strelow attempting to reattach the medal, only to discover that the clasp had broken off.
- Alysa Liu: The U.S. figure skater also faced a similar situation. She posted a video on social media showing her team event gold medal detached from its ribbon.
Liu humorously remarked, “My medal don’t need the ribbon.”
Organizers Addressing the Issue
Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for the organizing committee, acknowledged the problem. He stated, “We are aware of the situation, we have seen the images. Obviously, we are trying to understand in detail if there is a problem.”
Francisi emphasized that the integrity of the medals is crucial, explaining that they represent the dreams of the athletes. He assured that they are committed to ensuring that everything is perfect during the award presentations.
Historical Context
This incident is not unprecedented. Quality concerns regarding Olympic medals have arisen before. For example, during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, some medals needed replacement due to tarnishing or corrosion, which left them with an unappealing mottled appearance.
As the Milan Cortina Games continue, organizers are working diligently to resolve the medal issues. They aim to uphold the quality and prestige associated with Olympic achievements, ensuring athletes can celebrate their victories without further complications.
