Milano Games Organizers Investigate Breaking Medals Mystery
Organizers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are currently investigating a series of incidents involving broken medals. Notably, several athletes have reported issues with their medals, leading to concerns about their durability.
Investigation into Medals Mystery
On February 9, 2026, the Chief Games Operations Officer of Milano Cortina, Andrea Francisi, confirmed the launch of this investigation during a press briefing. The focus is on understanding the technical shortcomings that resulted in compromised medals awarded to Olympic champions.
Medal Design and Issues
The medals, characterized as “discs of ice,” are composed of two halves, unified by the symbols of the Olympics and Paralympics. Each medal features a distinctive design, highlighting a frosted and polished texture.
- Gold and silver medals weigh approximately 500 grams (1.1 pounds).
- Bronze medals are slightly lighter, weighing around 420 grams.
- Gold medals consist of 6 grams of gold.
However, several athletes encountered problems shortly after receiving their awards. American skier Breezy Johnson presented her chipped medal to reporters, recounting how she damaged it during a celebration. “I was jumping up and down in excitement, then it just fell off,” Johnson said.
Athletes Affected
The issue is not isolated to Johnson. German biathlete Justus Strelow also encountered a cracked medal during team celebrations. Similarly, Ebba Andersson, a cross-country skier from Sweden, faced a similar fate when her silver medal fell in the snow and broke apart.
Possible Cause of Breakage
An insider revealed that the medals are attached by a cord featuring a breakaway mechanism. This design complies with safety regulations, allowing the cord to detach under excessive tension to prevent choking hazards.
U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu experienced a similar incident when the ribbon of her gold medal detached while celebrating. According to her teammate, Ellie Kam, Liu was thrilled but faced unexpected “drama” when the medal fell and sustained damage.
Gold Medal Replacement
Liu’s medal was later replaced, and she expressed relief over the resolution, stating, “It was a lot more drama than I thought there would be.”
As this investigation unfolds, Milano Cortina Games organizers are committed to ensuring that future medals uphold the celebratory spirit of the Olympics while maintaining quality for the athletes.
