Over 100 disgruntled athletes have returned their Olympic medals just five months after the Paris 2024 Games, citing issues with the medals’ poor quality. The Paris Mint, responsible for producing the medals, has faced backlash after many athletes reported their medals were rusting, cracking, and deteriorating at an alarming rate.
The issue is believed to stem from the use of substandard varnish, which has caused rapid damage to the medals. The Paris Mint has since dismissed three senior officials: the industrial director, production director, and head of quality, health, safety, and environment.
Prominent athletes like American skateboarder Nyjah Houston and French swimmer Maxime Grusset, both bronze medalists, were among the first to voice their concerns. Houston, who won bronze in skateboarding, shared an image of his medal that was already chipping and peeling just two weeks after the Games. “These Olympic medals look great when they’re brand new, but after letting them sit on my skin with some sweat, they’re not as high quality as you’d think,” Houston said.
French Olympians Clement Secchi and Yohann Ndoye-Brouard also took to social media to show the damage to their own bronze medals, which they earned in the 4×100-metre medley relay.
With several complaints emerging from athletes about the subpar quality of their medals, many are questioning the Paris Mint’s production methods. The Paris 2024 Games, which took place from July 26 to August 11, have now been overshadowed by these issues surrounding the medals, prompting calls for improvements in future Olympic productions.
