The medals for the Paris Olympics 2024 will have a unique feature that sets them apart. Each medal will contain an original piece of the Eiffel Tower, adding a touch of history and symbolism to the awards. This decision was made by the games organizers, who repurposed the ironwork that was removed from the iconic structure during previous renovations.
The intention behind this design choice is to provide the successful athletes with a tangible and meaningful piece of the history of Paris to take home with them. It adds a special significance to the medals, making them more than just a symbol of achievement in sports.
Since the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, it has become a tradition for the reverse side of the medals to feature an image of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. This continues with the Paris 2024 medals, maintaining a connection to the heritage of the Olympic Games.
In addition to the main Olympics medals, the Paralympics medals will also have a unique design. They will be adorned with a graphical representation of the Eiffel Tower, depicting the view from below. This design choice further emphasizes the connection between the medals and the host city, firmly establishing a sense of identity and celebration of Paris.
To create the medals, the iron pieces from the Eiffel Tower that were removed during previous renovations were carefully preserved. The distinct dark brown paint of the Eiffel Tower was cleaned off, and the iron pieces were transformed into hexagons. These hexagons were then embossed with the Paris 2024 logo, making them a vital part of the medals' design.
To ensure the iron pieces remained securely in place, a "claw" setting technique commonly used in jewelry was employed. This technique enhances the visual appeal of the medals while ensuring the integrity and durability of the embedded iron pieces.
The entire design process was overseen by the reputable French jeweler, Chaumet. Their expertise in craftsmanship and attention to detail was instrumental in creating these unique and distinguished medals. The parent company of Chaumet, LVMH, also signed a significant sponsorship deal with Paris 2024, further strengthening their involvement in the Olympics.
Key stats behind the Paris 2024 medals
- 5,084 medals produced
- 85mm in diameter
- 9.2mm thick
- 18g of iron from the Eiffel Tower
- 529g: the weight of the gold medal
- 525g: the weight of the silver medal
- 455g: the weight of the bronze medal
