Paris 2024 Olympic medals losing color; IOC promises replacements
What's the story
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has promised to replace the "defective medals" from the Paris 2024 Games after athletes complained about them being discolored. Among those affected is Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who clinched two bronze medals at the event. The IOC is collaborating with Monnaie de Paris, which is responsible for manufacturing of medals in order to fix this issue. Here are further details.
Medal complaints
Over 100 medals reported as defective
According to French online media outlet La Lettre, "more than 100 defective medals have been returned by disgruntled athletes" since the Paris Olympics's conclusion. This includes Indian men's hockey player Hardik Singh and US skateboarder Nyjah Huston, who also expressed dissatisfaction over their fading medals. The Monnaie de Paris has denied labeling these medals as "defective," but confirmed that replacements are being issued upon request.
Medal design
Unique design and production
The Paris 2024 Games awarded a whopping 5,084 medals, all designed by luxury jewelry and watch firm Chaumet. They were produced by the Monnaie de Paris. Each medal featured pieces of the iconic Eiffel Tower. The unique design element was sourced from the operating company of the Parisian monument, giving each medal a touch of French heritage.
Production challenges
New regulations impacted medal production
La Lettre suggested that the medals "had to bear the brunt of the new products used," as new regulations prohibited a component of the varnish previously used and "had to be replaced at short notice." The iron pieces embedded in each Olympic medal weigh 18gm (about two-thirds of an ounce). These production challenges may have contributed to the reported discoloration issues.
Medals
Six medals at Paris Games
The Indian contingent, which comprised of 117 athletes, recorded six medals, including five bronze and one silver, at the 2024 Paris Olympics. India's medalists at Paris Games: Manu Bhaker (two bronze medals, shooting), Sarabjot Singh (bronze, shooting), Swapnil Kusale (bronze, shooting), Team India (bronze, hockey), Neeraj Chopra (silver, men's javelin throw), and Aman Sehrawat (bronze, men's wrestling).