The 2024 Paris Olympics may have just concluded, but the controversy surrounding the quality of the gold medals awarded at the Games is far from over. Recent comments from athletes, coupled with visible differences between the Paris medals and those from the previous Tokyo 2020 Olympics, have sparked a heated debate about the standards and craftsmanship of these coveted prizes.
One of the most striking examples of the quality disparity comes from Danish badminton player Viktor Axelsen, who won gold medals at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. Upon direct comparison, the difference between the two medals was immediately apparent. Axelsen’s Tokyo 2020 gold medal retained its brilliant shine and luster, while the Paris 2024 version already appeared dull and tarnished, prompting one social media user to quip that it “looks like a chocolate wrapper.”
Officials from the Paris 2024 organizing committee have acknowledged the issue, explaining that the change in appearance is due to the metals used in the construction of the medals. The gold and silver medals contain over 92.5% silver, while the bronze is mostly copper. Additionally, the Paris 2024 medals feature recycled materials from the Eiffel Tower, unlike the Tokyo 2020 medals, which contained bits of recycled electronics.
This composition difference may contribute to the more rapid oxidation and dulling of the Paris medals. While the organizers have promised to replace any “damaged” medals, some athletes feel that the quality of the medals should have been prioritized from the outset.
The debate over the Paris 2024 medals has sparked wider discussions on social media, with mixed reactions from the public. Some have argued that the appearance of the medals should not overshadow the immense achievement of the athletes who earn them, while others counter that the Olympics are a global spectacle, and the medals should reflect the prestige and grandeur of the event.
One social media user commented that the Paris 2024 medals “look like a bargain bin,” while another stated that “almost everything in these games was of poor quality.” The general sentiment seems to be that the Paris Olympics have fallen short in various aspects, and the medal fiasco is just one of the many issues that have plagued the event.
For athletes who have dedicated their lives to reaching the pinnacle of their sport, winning an Olympic gold medal is a crowning achievement. The medal itself serves as a tangible symbol of their hard-earned triumph, and the quality of that medal should be a reflection of the immense effort and sacrifice they have put forth.
When the medals fail to meet the high standards expected of the Olympic Games, it can take away from the feeling of achievement and diminish the overall prestige of the event. This is especially true for those athletes who have won multiple Olympic titles and have come to expect a certain level of quality and craftsmanship from their medals.
The controversy surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympic medals is a stark reminder that the organizers of the Games must prioritize quality and attention to detail in every aspect of the event. While the use of recycled materials from the Eiffel Tower may have been a well-intentioned nod to sustainability, the rapid deterioration of the medals has undermined the overall experience for the athletes and the global audience.
As the world turns its attention to the next Olympic Games, it is crucial that the organizing committees learn from the mistakes of Paris 2024 and ensure that the medals awarded to the world’s best athletes truly reflect the grandeur and prestige of the Olympic movement.
