July 26th 2024.
The 2024 Olympics in Paris has brought a new twist to the traditional Olympic medals. Instead of using the usual materials such as gold, silver, and bronze, the Paris 2024 organizers have decided to incorporate a piece of history into their medals. Each medal is made up of a hexagon-shaped piece of iron that was taken from the original Eiffel Tower. With over 5,000 medals being produced, these unique medals are definitely something to look forward to.
The design of these medals is truly one-of-a-kind. On one side, the goddess of victory, Athena Nike, is seen emerging from the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis. This design is a compulsory inclusion ordered by the International Olympic Committee. However, Paris 2024 was granted special permission to add the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background on the right side. On the other side, the name of the sport, discipline, and event are engraved in French for the Olympic medals and in English for the Paralympic ones, as these are the official languages of the respective committees.
The small piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower is not the only unique aspect of these medals. The iron has been stripped of its brown paint and is left in its original color, adding a touch of authenticity. Additionally, thin lines have been struck on the same side as the iron, adding a shiny effect to the medal. These details were designed by Elena Votsi, a Greek jewelry designer who has been responsible for the redesign of the Olympic medals since Athens 2004.
The ribbon for the Olympic medals will be dark blue, while the Paralympic medals will be a deep red. These colors are a mix of the first two coats of paint used on the Eiffel Tower, known as "Venice red" and "red-brown." The president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee explained that the goal was to bring together the precious metals of gold, silver, and bronze with the most precious metal in the Eiffel Tower, creating a unique fusion and alloy.
But are the Olympic gold medals actually made of real gold? The answer is yes and no. While there is some gold in them, the majority of the medal is made up of silver. According to the International Olympic Committee, gold and silver medals are required to be made of at least 92.5% silver. The gold plating on the outside layer of the medal must consist of at least six grams of pure gold. This means that the gold medals are actually mostly silver with a thin layer of gold on top.
The weight and size of the medals are the same for all three categories. They have an 85mm diameter and are 9.2mm thick. The gold medal weighs 529g, the silver medal weighs 525g, and the bronze medal weighs 455g. Each medal also contains 18g of iron from the Eiffel Tower, adding a special touch to these already unique medals.
It is interesting to note that the silver used in the first and second-place medals is of a minimum grade of 925/1000, while the bronze medals are 95% copper and 5% zinc. This adds to the significance and value of these medals, making them not just a symbol of achievement but also a piece of history.
With all the precious metals and unique design elements, it is no surprise that the cost of each gold medal at Paris 2024 is approximately £738. This is based on the current price of gold, silver, and iron. The Paris 2024 Olympic medals truly embody the spirit of the games, bringing together history, athleticism, and art in one beautiful piece.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
