Olympians are openly expressing their displeasure over the poor quality of the medals handed out at the 2024 Paris Games. After months of hard work and dedication, these medals are now failing to retain their sheen, a situation that has left many athletes voicing their concerns on social media.
Two notable French swimmers, Clement Secchi and Yohann Ndoye-Brouard, have showcased the deteriorated state of their bronze medals won in the 4×100-meter medley relay.
French swimmer Yohann Ndoye-Brouard expressed frustration over the rapidly fading state of his medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics
Image credits: yoyo.2911
Image credits: yoyo.2911
Secchi humorously likened his medal’s state to “crocodile skin,” indicating its aging look quite reminiscent of something from Paris 1924. Ndoye-Brouard shared similar sentiments, noting the plight of his prize could easily be mistaken for an antique relic.
The online reaction was a mix of jest and sympathy. Comments ranged from suggestions to dip the medal in Seine, to cheeky references about Paris 1924’s medals being in better condition.
“Paris 1924,” said the 24-year-old swimmer, who won the 4×100-meter medley relay
Image credits: yohann_2911
While some took the matter lightly, others were stern, “I’m afraid the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris were a total failure,” a sentiment echoed by many reflecting a deeper discontent beyond just medals.
I’m afraid the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris were a total failure,” read one social media comment
Image credits: yohann_2911
This incident is not isolated. Prior to the French swimmers airing their grievances, Olympians from various nations have been lamenting over their fading awards.
Nyjah Huston, Team USA’s Olympic skateboarder, was among the first to report dissatisfaction. The gold or whatever sheen it had faded quick.
Other athletes also shared similar disappointment over the withering state of the prized accolades
Image credits: yohann_2911
Image credits: yoyo.2911
The situation attracted Team GB’s diver Yasmin Harper too. Her bronze medal developed a slight discoloration reminiscent of tarnishing or fading sheen, a phenomenon not supposed to occur according to the innovative design rooted in the metal’s composition.
Fellow French simmer Clement Secchi also shared an image of his bronze medal and described it as “crocodile skin”
Image credits: clem_secchi
Image credits: clem_secchi
This year, Paris introduced medals incorporating iron from the Eiffel Tower, crafted by the renowned jeweler Chaumet. Despite this pedigree, the organizers have promised to scrutinize the scenario after the scale of complaints.
According to Paris 2024 authorities, they plan to liaise with the Monnaie de Paris, the medal manufacturers, and address the issue for enhanced quality control in future sets.
“What an utter disgrace,” said one critic after seeing the state of the Olympic medals
Image credits: LewStuhl
Image credits: governa
Image credits: dilanesper
The Paris Games, though leaving us with memorable athletic displays, have been overshadowed by the current medal debacle, an issue yet to find resolution.
