Investigation Reveals Why Olympic Medals Keep Breaking
During the ongoing 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, a significant issue has emerged regarding the durability of Olympic medals. Several athletes have reported problems with their medals breaking, prompting the organizing committee to take action.
Medal Breakage Issue
According to spokesperson Lucas Casassa, the organizing committee has acknowledged the problem affecting a small number of medals. The committee is collaborating with the State Mint, the producers of the medals, to address this issue.
Casassa stated, “A solution has been identified, and a targeted fix has been put in place. Athletes whose medals have been affected are encouraged to return them through the appropriate channels.” This allows for prompt repairs and replacements.
Concerns Raised by Athletes
The breaking of medals has raised concerns among athletes. U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu showcased her broken gold medal in a video on Instagram. Similarly, Breezy Johnson, a gold medalist in downhill skiing, displayed her damaged medal at a press conference.
- Alysa Liu: Demonstrated her medal’s breakage on Instagram.
- Breezy Johnson: Reported her medal breaking after celebrating excitement.
- Jacqueline Wiles: Encountered replica issues while celebrating her third-place finish.
The Mechanics Behind the Issue
Reports suggest that the breakage may be linked to the medal’s clasp and ribbon. The medals are designed with a breakaway mechanism to prevent injuries, such as strangulation. This feature allows the medal to detach if yanked forcefully, thereby reducing choking risks.
This mechanism may inadvertently contribute to the medal’s susceptibility to breakage. The Olympic committee is eager to resolve the issue to minimize negative publicity surrounding the quality of these prestigious awards.
Commitment to Quality
The Milano Cortina 2026 organizing committee remains dedicated to ensuring that medals meet the highest quality standards. Their proactive measures aim to reassure athletes that these awards are more than just tokens of achievement. They symbolize the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
As the Olympics continue, both athletes and officials hope for a swift resolution to the breakage dilemma. The focus should remain on athletic accomplishments, not on the reliability of medals around their necks.
