Olympic skateboarder Nyjah Huston has voiced concerns regarding the quality of the medals for the Paris 2024 Games, noting visible deterioration just one week after he won bronze in the men's street skateboarding event.
Huston shared on Instagram that after securing third place on July 29, he noticed his medal had begun chipping and losing its luster. “These Olympic medals look great when they are brand new, but after letting it sit on my skin with some sweat and allowing friends to wear it over the weekend, they seem to be of lower quality than expected," he stated.
Upon examining the medal, he remarked, “Even the front is starting to chip off a little. Olympic medals—maybe it’s time to enhance the quality a bit.”
The medals were crafted by the Paris jewelry firm Chaumet and feature two distinct designs. One side showcases an 18g hexagonal token made from iron sourced from the Eiffel Tower, encircled by grooves that mimic rays of light. The reverse depicts Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, alongside images of the Acropolis and the Eiffel Tower, a tradition since 1928.
The bronze medal weighs 525g and is composed of a copper-tin-zinc alloy. However, Huston suggested that the medals may be better suited for display than for wearing, adding, "I suppose the medals are meant to be in cases."
Each medal is packaged in a dark-blue box from Chaumet and accompanied by a certificate from the Eiffel Tower Operating Co, confirming the origin of the iron used.
Huston's comments have sparked discussions about the durability and quality of Olympic medals, with many agreeing that their physical integrity should match the prestige of the achievements they represent.