Several athletes who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics reported their medals deteriorating just months after the games ended. The French government minted more than 5,000 medals for the 2024 Olympics, including those awarded at the Paralympics.
However, several Olympians have raised concerns about their medals, reporting that they have become chipped, faded and tarnished.
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Some athletes had already questioned the quality of the medals before the closing ceremony.
American skateboarder Nyjah Huston shared a photo of his damaged bronze medal on social media. He remarked it looked as though it had “gone to war and back.”
According to French news outlet La Lettre, more than 100 athletes have requested replacements for their damaged awards.
The French Mint, which produced the medals, said it has taken the issue seriously since the first complaints were made in August and has activated its internal teams to investigate the matter.
A spokesperson for the French Mint stated that while they have not disclosed the exact number of damaged medals, they are collaborating with the 2024 Olympic Organizing Committee to address the problem.
The medals drew attention last year because each contains iron from the Eiffel Tower, giving them a distinctive connection to the host city.
Officials in France have confirmed that replacements for the damaged medals will begin to be sent out in the coming weeks. Identical versions will be provided to the affected athletes.
