Paris is set to make history at the upcoming summer Olympics and Paralympics by awarding medals that are truly one-of-a-kind. In a revolutionary design, each gold, silver, and bronze medal will be inlaid with a piece of the iconic Eiffel Tower. This means that not only will Olympic and Paralympic athletes achieve sporting greatness, but they will also take home a tangible piece of France's rich history.
The decision to use fragments of the Eiffel Tower in the medals was inspired by the recognition that the tower is a universally recognized symbol of both Paris and France. Joachim Roncin, head of design at the Paris Games organizing committee, explained, 'We realized that there's one symbol known across the world, which is the Eiffel Tower. We said to ourselves, 'Hey, what if we approached the Eiffel Tower Operating Co. to see if it's possible to get a bit of the Eiffel Tower to integrate into the medal?''
To make this dream a reality, iron pieces weighing 18 grams each were extracted from the Eiffel Tower during renovations and carefully prepared for their new purpose. The iron was stripped of paint, polished, and varnished. Additionally, it was stamped with the words 'Paris 2024' and the Games logo, which resembles a flame or the face of a woman with a stylish bob haircut. The iconic Olympic rings were also stamped onto the iron of the Olympic medals, while the Paralympic medals feature the logo of three swooshes, known as the Agitos.
The hexagonal shape of the iron pieces represents France, as the country is sometimes referred to as 'L'Hexagone' due to its shape. Paris jewelry house Chaumet was responsible for the overall design of the medals, which includes six small clasps holding the iron pieces in place as a nod to the millions of rivets that hold the Eiffel Tower together. Surrounding the iron pieces are disks made of gold, silver, or bronze, which have been crinkled to reflect light and add a dazzling shine to the medals. Notably, all the metal used for the medals is recycled, aligning with the growing global emphasis on sustainability.
The inclusion of fragments from a famous monument makes Paris' medals truly unique. While previous Olympic medals have tended to be more subdued, with the exception of the 2008 Beijing Olympics that utilized inlaid jade disks, Paris decided to add a distinct French touch by incorporating pieces of the Eiffel Tower. This choice adds a special significance as athletes and spectators alike will possess a tangible piece of history.
On the other side of the Olympic medals, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, Nike, is prominently featured in line with tradition. However, Paris has also introduced a small representation of the Eiffel Tower on this side, further emphasizing the city's connection to the Games. Similarly, the Paralympic medals showcase a view of the tower as if looking upward from underneath. In a thoughtful touch for visually impaired individuals, 'Paris 2024' is written in Braille, and the edges of the medals have notches to differentiate between gold, silver, and bronze.
The Paris Mint is responsible for manufacturing 5,084 medals in total — around 2,600 for the Olympics and 2,400 for the Paralympics. Though there may be more medals than required, some will be stored for future use, such as when medals need to be reassigned due to doping disqualifications, while others may go to museums. The gold medals themselves weigh 529 grams but are not solid gold. Rather, they are made of silver and plated with 6 grams of gold. The silver medals weigh 525 grams, and the bronzes weigh 455 grams, composed of a copper, tin, and zinc alloy.
Measuring 85 millimeters in diameter and 9.2 millimeters thick, the medals will be presented in a dark-blue box designed by Chaumet. Accompanying the medals will be a certificate from the Eiffel Tower Operating Co., authenticating the use of iron pieces from the monument. While no monetary value has been assigned to these exceptional medals, it is evident that their worth extends far beyond any price tag.
When the athletes step onto the podium in Paris, not only will they be honored for their sporting achievements, but they will also carry with them a piece of France's most recognized landmark. These revolutionary and unique medals will undoubtedly become cherished and symbolic keepsakes, representing the indomitable spirit of the Olympic Games and the enduring legacy of the Eiffel Tower.
