American skateboarder Nyjah Huston recently made headlines after revealing the surprising condition of his Olympic medal earned at the Paris Games. In a video shared on Instagram, Huston showcased the wear and tear on his bronze medal, expressing disappointment in its quality after only a short period of use. He pointed out the lack of shine and chipping on the medal's surface, suggesting a need for higher quality standards in Olympic medals.
Huston secured the medal with a third-place finish in the men's street event in Paris, joining other athletes who have also raised concerns about the durability of their medals. British diver Yasmin Harper, who won bronze in the women's 3-meter synchronized springboard event, noted discoloration on her medal, speculating that water exposure may have caused the tarnishing.
In response to the criticism, the Paris Mint, responsible for producing the Olympic medals, pledged to replace any deteriorating medals. Organizers of the Paris Games announced plans to conduct a thorough examination of damaged medals and re-engrave them if necessary. Emphasizing the significance of the medals to athletes, the organizing committee assured that damaged medals would be replaced with identical engravings.
The International Olympic Committee affirmed its collaboration with the Paris Mint and the National Olympic Committee to investigate the cause of medal damage. Stressing the importance of preserving the integrity of the medals, the committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring that athletes receive medals of the highest quality.
