Italy’s national mint has taken action to address a technical issue with the medals awarded to athletes at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The problem, which was identified in the early days of the Winter Games, does not affect the actual design of the gold, silver, or bronze medals but rather the ribbons and clasps that are attached to them.
Luca Casassa, a spokesperson for the Olympic organizing committee, confirmed that “a limited number of medals have had a few problems.” He explained that an agreement had been reached with Rome’s Zecca dello Stato (state mint), which was responsible for producing the awards. Casassa encouraged affected athletes to return their medals for immediate repair, stating, “Athletes who have medals with problems are invited to give them back through the appropriate channels, so that they can be immediately repaired.”
Andrea Francisi, the Chief Games Operations Officer for Milano Cortina, addressed the situation during a press conference on Monday. “We are fully aware of the situation and you have seen the pictures,” he said, referring to the visible damage on some of the medals. Francisi emphasized that organizers were taking the issue seriously, saying, “We are looking into what exactly the problem is.” He added, “We will pay maximum attention to the medals … so that everything will be perfect because this is one of the most important things for the athletes.”
Several athletes have already reported issues with their medals. Breezy Johnson, an American downhill skiing champion, showed off her cracked and chipped medal to reporters. “It is heavy, it’s broken. It’s a look,” she remarked, explaining how the medal fell off after she was jumping up and down in excitement. Johnson is not alone in experiencing this issue.
German biathlete Justus Strelow reportedly saw his bronze medal break during team celebrations, while Swedish cross-country skier Ebba Andersson’s silver medal from the women’s skiathlon also suffered damage. These incidents highlight the unexpected challenges that can arise even in the most carefully planned events.
The issue has sparked discussions about the importance of ensuring that every detail of the Olympic experience meets the highest standards. For athletes, medals represent years of dedication and hard work, making any form of damage particularly disheartening.
Organizers have assured athletes that steps are being taken to resolve the problem promptly. This includes setting up specific channels for athletes to return their damaged medals and ensuring they receive properly repaired versions as soon as possible. The focus remains on maintaining the integrity and significance of the Olympic medals, which hold deep personal and symbolic value for those who earn them.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexity involved in hosting large-scale international events. While the primary goal is to provide a platform for athletic excellence, the attention to detail in all aspects of the event—such as the presentation of medals—plays a crucial role in the overall experience.
For now, the Olympic community is working together to ensure that no athlete is left without a properly functioning medal. As the Games continue, the emphasis remains on fairness, respect, and the celebration of sport at its finest.
