'If it had occurred in India, the world would have criticized us,' says Olympic medallist about 'flawed' Paris Olympic medals
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Synopsis
An Olympic medallist criticized the IOC and France for defective medals awarded at the 2024 Paris Games, claiming global outrage would have been greater had it occurred in India. The medals showed signs of rust and deterioration, prompting calls for serious action.
Key Takeaways
- Olympic medals from Paris 2024 are showing signs of rust.
- Medallist criticizes IOC and France for poor quality.
- Calls for serious action from Indian government.
- Replacement process for defective medals is underway.
- Over 100 medals have already been returned for replacement.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) As the medals awarded to athletes at the 2024 Paris Games exhibit signs of rust and deterioration, an Olympic medallist criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the host nation France for providing defective medals. The medallist stated that if these medals had been distributed in India, the international response would have been significantly harsher.
Numerous athletes, including Indian medalists, took to social media to express their concerns, noting that the medals have begun to lose their luster shortly after the podium ceremony.
In response to the situation, the Olympic medallist attributed the blame for the quality of the medals to both the IOC and the host country France.
"The IOC and France are accountable for these defective medals. If this had happened in India, the entire world would have condemned us. Such issues must be addressed seriously. I urge the government of India to take this matter seriously," the Olympic medallist shared with IANS on the condition of anonymity.
Nonetheless, the IOC stated that the organizers of the Paris Games are in communication with the committees representing athletes who have lodged complaints, and a replacement process will commence shortly.
The Indian Olympic Association noted that if any medallist requires a replacement due to medal deterioration, they will pursue the matter with the global body.
"An Olympic medal symbolizes a lifetime achievement and a treasured memory. If any athlete believes their medal has degraded due to poor quality and seeks a replacement, we will request one from the IOC," said IOA president PT Usha.
The Monnaie de Paris, responsible for producing the medals for the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, confirmed it will replace all damaged medals upon athletes' requests after receiving multiple complaints about deterioration.
According to the French website La Lettre, over 100 defective medals have already been returned by athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (Cojop) within just four months.
Each Paris 2024 medal, crafted by Chaumet, a prestigious French jeweler, features a hexagonal piece of iron sourced from the iconic Eiffel Tower. A 0.6 ounce segment of puddle iron is at the center of each medal.
In total, the French mint has produced 5,084 medals for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
