Olympic Medals Break During Celebrations: Athletes Disappointed
The excitement of winning Olympic medals turned into disappointment for several athletes at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Gold medalist Breezy Johnson, alongside others, reported breakages of their medals shortly after the celebrations began.
Concerns Over Olympic Medal Durability
After a few instances of medals detaching from their ribbons, the event organizers have launched an investigation. This follows a weekend filled with celebrations marking the start of the games.
Athletes’ Experiences
- Breezy Johnson, gold medalist in women’s downhill skiing, noted her medal broke when she jumped in excitement.
- Justus Strelow, a biathlete, witnessed his bronze medal fall during a dance with teammates. He attempted to reattach it but realized a piece had broken off.
- U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu shared her experience on social media, showing her team event gold medal detached from the ribbon.
Official Response and Investigation
Andrea Francisi, the chief of the Milan Cortina organizing committee, addressed the situation, acknowledging the need for a careful review. “We have seen the images and are trying to understand if there is a deeper issue,” she stated.
Francisi emphasized the importance of medals, describing them as a dream fulfillment for athletes. The commitment to ensure their quality at such a significant moment is paramount.
Historical Context of Medal Quality Issues
This is not the first time the quality of Olympic medals has faced scrutiny. After the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, there were reports of replacement due to tarnishing and corrosion, affecting the medals’ appearance.
As the Milan Cortina Games continue, attention remains fixed on ensuring the medals meet the athletes’ expectations and symbolize their hard work accurately.
