Several athletes who won medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics are raising concerns about the quality of their awards, citing rapid deterioration just months after the Games concluded. French swimmer Yohann Ndoye-Brouard and others have taken to social media to express their surprise and disappointment over the apparent degradation.
Ndoye-Brouard, a bronze medalist in the 4x100-meter medley relay, humorously questioned whether his medal was from 2024 or 1924, referencing its prematurely aged appearance. This follows similar complaints from other athletes, including Ndoye-Brouard's teammate Clement Secchi, whose medal was described as resembling "crocodile skin" due to its rough edges.
Concerns about medal quality first surfaced in August when U.S. rugby player Ilona Maher, displaying her bronze medal on national television, noted that it was "wearing a little bit." Maher, part of the team that secured a stunning victory against Australia, acknowledged the medal's solid nature but highlighted its visible wear.
The medals, which include a piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower, have been celebrated for their unique connection to the city. However, the rapid deterioration is prompting questions about their longevity and the materials used. The International Olympic Committee and Paris 2024 organizers have not yet issued a response to the growing concerns, leaving the athletes to grapple with the diminishing quality of their prized mementos.
