Friday, February 7, 2025

Over 100 Athletes Return Paris Olympic Medals: What Went Wrong?

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The 2024 Paris Olympics, celebrated for their grandeur and success, have hit an unexpected snag: a growing number of athletes are returning their medals due to visible signs of degradation. Over 100 athletes have approached the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with complaints about their medals, which now look far older than their actual age. From crumbling edges to staining and surface wear, the medals have raised concerns among athletes, with some jokingly comparing them to relics from the 1924 Paris Olympics. The issue has put several parties under scrutiny and triggered a wave of apologies, explanations, and blame-shifting.

What Caused the Problem?

An investigation by French media outlet La Lettre suggests the root cause lies in the varnish used to coat the medals. The varnish was switched due to environmental concerns, as the previous coating contained chromium trioxide, a harmful carcinogen. While the replacement varnish was intended to be safer, it appears to have compromised the durability of the medals, especially the bronze ones, which show the most significant signs of wear.

Athlete Complaints Begin to Surface

Athletes began noticing issues shortly after receiving their accolades. French swimmers Yohann Ndoye-Brouard and Clément Secchi, along with British diver Yasmin Harper, reported visible damage before even leaving Paris. Australian cyclist Natalya Diehm, who earned a bronze medal in Freestyle BMX, observed noticeable deterioration within just a week of receiving hers. The IOC has since issued a formal apology, acknowledging the problem and pledging to replace all defective medals. “The replacement medals will be engraved identically and produced by the Monnaie de Paris,” the IOC stated, adding that the process will commence in the first quarter of 2025.

The Blame Game: Who’s Responsible?

The situation has sparked a blame game among the key players involved. The medals were designed by Chaumet, part of the luxury giant LVMH Group, and produced by the Monnaie de Paris, the French mint. Chaumet has distanced itself from the issue, emphasizing that it was only responsible for the design and not the manufacturing process. Monnaie de Paris, meanwhile, has pushed back against the IOC’s use of the term “defective,” instead labeling the medals as “damaged.” The mint has assured athletes that its internal teams have been working on a resolution since August 2024, months before the issue became widely known.

A Damaged Legacy?

The controversy has put a blemish on the Paris Olympics’ legacy, with critics questioning how such an oversight could occur. The IOC is now under pressure to ensure timely replacements to safeguard its reputation and future sponsorships. For athletes, an Olympic medal is a symbol of unparalleled achievement, and anything less than perfection undermines its significance. With the replacement process set to begin in 2025, athletes and fans alike hope the IOC and Monnaie de Paris will turn this tarnished episode into a polished resolution. After all, Olympic glory deserves nothing less than a medal as enduring as the achievement itself.

Source: euro news | Video Source: First Post

Ankit C
Ankit C
Ankit is an avid traveler, tech-savvy individual, and dedicated news enthusiast who explores new places, embraces technology, and stays informed.

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