Paris 2024 medal trouble: Over 200 athletes request replacements for tarnished awards

A total of 220 requests have been made to replace medals awarded at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, following complaints from several athletes regarding the condition of their awards.

The medals, designed by the renowned French luxury jeweler Chaumet, feature a unique element—a piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower, which was salvaged during the iconic structure's renovation in the 20th century. Despite their artistic design, a number of the medals have shown signs of tarnishing, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

One notable case came from British diver Yasmin Harper, who won Team GB’s first medal at the Games, a bronze in women’s 3m synchronized springboard alongside her partner Scarlett Mew Jensen. Harper noticed "small bits of tarnishing" on her medal and later commented on the issue.

This tarnishing issue has prompted concerns from other medalists, including American skateboarder Nyjah Huston. Huston shared a video showing his bronze medal from the men’s street skateboarding event, which appeared discolored and chipped. Organizers of the Paris 2024 Games have confirmed that any damaged medals will be replaced. According to the French Mint, which is responsible for the production of the medals, a total of 220 requests have been submitted for replacements, equating to around four percent of the total medals awarded.

"The French Mint [Monnaie de Paris] has replaced some of them and is continuing its replacement operation at the request of the athletes," the Mint stated. In response to the concerns, a spokesperson for the Paris 2024 Games assured that they are working closely with the French Mint to identify the cause of the damage. "Damaged medals will be systematically replaced and engraved in an identical way to the originals," the spokesperson confirmed. As the situation unfolds, athletes can rest assured that any defective medals will be replaced to preserve the honor and integrity of their achievements. 

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games were held from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Games featured over 10,000 athletes who competed in 32 kinds of sports across 37 venues, including iconic locations such as the Seine River and the Champs-Élysées. Paris 2024 was a major milestone, not only for its historic significance but also for its innovative approach, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and leveraging the city's rich cultural heritage to create a unique Olympic experience. Notably, the Games debuted new events like breakdancing, while also continuing the tradition of showcasing the world’s best in classic sports such as athletics, swimming, and gymnastics.

By Naila Huseynova