Paris 2024 Olympic Medals Face Replacement Amid Quality Concerns and Internal Turmoil
January 13, 2025
In response, the Monnaie de Paris has modified its varnish and production processes to improve the durability of the medals.
Reports indicate that the Monnaie de Paris has been aware of the varnish problem for at least 15 months, well before the Olympics.
Concerns about the medals were first raised by swimmer Maxime Grousset shortly after winning a bronze medal, describing it as looking 'damaged and oxidized'.
The damage is attributed to a defective varnish, which had previously caused issues with medals produced for Huawei in 2023.
The organizing committee for the Olympics has announced plans to systematically replace all deteriorated medals, but first needs to fully understand and resolve the underlying issues.
A total of 5,084 medals were produced for the Paris Games, but the Monnaie de Paris has not disclosed how many of these are damaged due to confidentiality agreements.
Critics within the organization have pointed to operational challenges stemming from the decision to combine medal production with coin manufacturing.
The Monnaie de Paris is taking action to replace damaged medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics following complaints from athletes about their quality.
American skateboarder Nyjah Huston further highlighted the issue by sharing a video showing his bronze medal's rapid deterioration, likening its condition to having 'gone to war'.
The bronze medals, made from a mixture of copper, zinc, and tin, have been particularly affected, raising sustainability concerns.
The controversy surrounding the medals has led to internal turmoil at the Monnaie de Paris, with reports of staff changes, although the institution has denied claims of executive dismissals.
To address the varnish issue, the Monnaie de Paris is collaborating with a specialized company from Lyon that focuses on industrial processes and surface treatments.
Summary based on 12 sources
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Sources

AP News • Jan 14, 2025
Some Paris Olympic athletes ask for medals to be replaced after quickly deteriorating
WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando • Jan 14, 2025
Some Paris Olympic athletes ask for medals to be replaced after quickly deteriorating
NBC Connecticut • Jan 14, 2025
Athletes who shined at Paris Olympics to finally get medals that will, too