Why over 200 medals from Paris 2024 Olympics are being replaced

Rarely do Olympic medals—symbols of an athlete's lifelong dedication and achievement—face controversy after the Games.

However, more than 220 medals from the Paris 2024 Olympics have been returned due to concerns over tarnishing, discoloration, and chipping.

The French Mint (Monnaie de Paris), responsible for crafting the medals, has confirmed that affected athletes will receive replacements identical to their original awards.

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"The French Mint has replaced some of them and is continuing its replacement operation at the request of the athletes," the organization said in a statement as per BBC.

The medals, designed by French luxury jeweler Chaumet, are unique in their composition, incorporating a small piece of iron taken from the Eiffel Tower during its 20th-century renovations.

This historic element was meant to add prestige to the awards, making them a cherished piece of Parisian heritage.

However, it appears that some of these medals are not holding up to the test of time, with reports of tarnishing emerging just weeks after the Games concluded.

British diver Yasmin Harper, who won a bronze medal in the women’s 3m synchronized springboard event alongside partner Scarlett Mew Jensen, was among the first to report an issue.

She noticed "small bits of tarnishing" on her medal, raising concerns over the durability of the prized awards.

American skateboarder Nyjah Huston also voiced his frustration, sharing a video of his bronze medal from the men’s street skateboarding event, showing clear signs of discoloration and chipping.

His post quickly gained traction, prompting further scrutiny of the medal’s quality.

A Paris 2024 spokesperson acknowledged the problem, stating that Games organizers are working closely with the Monnaie de Paris to identify the cause of the damage.

"Damaged medals will be systematically replaced and engraved in an identical way to the originals," they assured.

The replacement requests account for approximately four percent of the total medals awarded during the Games.

While this percentage may seem small, it is significant given the prestige and rigorous craftsmanship usually associated with Olympic medals.

Experts suggest several possible reasons behind the tarnishing issue.

Some speculate that the integration of the Eiffel Tower iron might have led to unexpected chemical reactions with the other metals. Others believe that improper storage or handling conditions could have accelerated wear and tear.

The Olympic medals, typically composed of gold, silver, and bronze alloys, undergo stringent production and finishing processes to ensure durability.

However, given the unique nature of the Paris 2024 design, it is possible that the inclusion of historical materials introduced unforeseen vulnerabilities.

Despite the setback, the French Mint remains committed to ensuring every athlete receives a medal in pristine condition.

"We understand the importance of these medals to the athletes who have worked tirelessly to earn them, and we are taking the necessary steps to rectify any issues," their statement added.

Athletes and fans alike have expressed mixed reactions to the issue. While many appreciate the swift response in offering replacements, others feel disappointed that such a prestigious award would face durability issues so soon after the Games.