Ellie Kam Sleeps with Olympic Gold Medal: ‘It’s Staying with Me’
American figure skater Ellie Kam has taken an intriguing approach to safeguard her Olympic gold medal—she sleeps with it under her pillow. The 2026 Winter Olympics took place in Milano Cortina, where Kam, along with her teammate Danny O’Shea, made a remarkable Olympic debut in the figure skating events.
Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea: Olympic Gold Medalists
Kam and O’Shea formed part of the Team USA squad that secured victory in the figure skating team event. Their impressive performance during the free skate significantly contributed to their first-place finish. Kam expressed her determination to keep her medal close by saying, “I slept with mine under my pillow.” She mentioned that the cushion provided security, reducing the risk of it getting damaged during sleep.
Challenges with Olympic Medals
The pair showcased their gold medals on February 9, drawing attention to issues other athletes faced with their medals. Speed skier Breezy Johnson, the first American to win gold in Milano Cortina, shared that her medal had detached from its ribbon during celebrations. She noted, “It’s not crazy broken, but it’s a little broken.”
Teammate Alysa Liu also experienced a similar situation, where her medal came loose from the ribbon, which she documented on social media. Both Kam and O’Shea commented on the weightiness of their medals, understanding why some athletes have encountered difficulties.
Specifications of the Olympic Gold Medals
Kam and O’Shea remarked that their medals are “really hefty,” with O’Shea adding that they are made from substantial materials. The gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics weigh 506 grams in total, containing only six grams of actual gold, with the remainder consisting of silver. These medals measure around 80 millimeters in diameter and are approximately 10 millimeters thick, embodying the solid feel expected from Olympic honors.
- Weight of medals: 506 grams
- Gold content: 6 grams
- Diameter: 80 millimeters
- Thickness: 10 millimeters
As Kam keeps her gold medal close at night, she represents the dedication and pride athletes feel during such monumental achievements. With the challenges surrounding the medals, it remains evident that even small issues cannot overshadow the glory of Olympic success.
