Olympic Medals Tumble: Organizers Investigate Faulty Ribbons

During recent celebrations, Olympic medals have been observed detaching from their ribbons, causing distress for athletes. Videos circulating show medals separating entirely from their attachments, as seen with a Chinese athlete and the German biathlon team. This recurring issue has prompted an investigation by Paris 2026 chief games operations officer Andrea Francisi.

Francisi stated that organizers are fully aware of the medal malfunctions and are looking into the exact problem. He emphasized the importance of ensuring medals are perfect for the athletes' ceremonies. A spokesperson for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee indicated they are awaiting a resolution from the organizers.

This is not the first time medal quality has faced scrutiny. As of February 2025, approximately 4% of medals awarded at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, totaling 220 requests, needed replacement due to wear and tear. Diver Yasmin Harper was among those who noticed tarnishing on her medal.

Paris 2024 organizers have committed to replacing any medals found to be damaged, ensuring athletes are not left with subpar mementos of their achievements.