In a dazzling display of French craftsmanship and heritage, the design for the medals of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics was revealed, showcasing a fusion of history, elegance, and sustainability.
Crafted by the esteemed French jewellery house Chaumet, each 5,084 medals will bear a unique six-edged metal medallion reminiscent of a gemstone, with a centrepiece containing iron from the iconic Eiffel Tower.
During a televised ceremony, Tony Estanguet, the head of the local organizing committee, expressed the committee’s intention to offer every medal winner a piece of the Eiffel Tower from its construction in 1889.
This sentiment underscores the significance of the landmark not only in France’s history but also in the hearts of its people.
The design by Chaumet, renowned for its aristocratic clientele since 1780, incorporates a circular arrangement of ridges, symbolizing the sun’s rays and a hexagonal shape mirroring mainland France’s contours.
Each corner of the hexagon is adorned with spurs resembling the rivets used in the Eiffel Tower’s construction, further emphasizing the medal’s connection to this architectural marvel.
The iron used in crafting these medals was sourced from offcuts found in a Paris warehouse maintained by the company responsible for the Eiffel Tower’s upkeep.
Thierry Reboul, the director of branding and ceremonies, revealed that these pieces, originally part of the tower’s structure, were repurposed to create the medals, ensuring a piece of history in each award.
Notably, all the metals utilized in the Paris medals, including gold, silver, and bronze, have been recycled, aligning with the Games’ commitment to sustainability.
This echoes the approach adopted by Japanese organizers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where medals were fashioned from recycled materials, symbolizing a global effort towards environmental stewardship.
Despite initial concerns about protecting the medals from oxidation due to the unique composition of the Eiffel Tower’s iron, Paris Games organizers assured the public that such challenges had been successfully overcome.
The French National Mint, responsible for manufacturing the medals, affirmed its readiness to deliver these exquisite pieces to deserving athletes worldwide.
Antoine Arnault, an executive of luxury conglomerate LVMH, emphasized the artistic significance of the medals, describing them not merely as awards but as embodiments of the Olympic and Paralympic spirit.
Collaborating with Chaumet, one of LVMH’s prestigious brands, underscores the fusion of tradition and innovation showcased in these medals.
The unveiling of the medals marks another milestone in the preparations for the Paris 2024 Games, set to take place from July 26 to August 11 for the Olympics and August 28 to September 8 for the Paralympics.
With the Eiffel Tower poised to play a central role, from the opening ceremony to the speculation of hosting the Olympic flame, the stage is set for a celebration of athleticism, artistry, and the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
This article war created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
