Around 100 athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics have reportedly returned their medals, citing issues such as tarnishing and rust, according to a recent report from AP News. While Monnaie de Paris, the company responsible for producing the Olympic medals, has not disclosed the exact number of returns, a French website, La Lettre, claims the figure has reached 100.
Monnaie de Paris crafted 5,084 medals for the event, and the company aims to replace all damaged medals by the first quarter of 2025. The tarnished medals have sparked disappointment among Olympians, some of whom have taken to social media to voice their concerns.
American skateboarder Nyjah Huston shared his frustration on Instagram, showing how his bronze medal quickly faded. French swimmers Yohann Ndoye-Brouard and Clement Secchi also expressed their dismay, likening the texture of their medals to “crocodile skin.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed it is addressing the issue and coordinating with affected athletes. In a statement, the IOC assured that Monnaie de Paris would replace the damaged medals and ensure they are engraved identically to the originals.
