More than 100 athletes have returned their defective medals to the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), following a manufacturing issue that caused them to deteriorate. Over the last four months, the Mint has received dozens of Olympic medals in various stages of decay, mainly due to a varnish error that led to the corrosion of many, particularly the bronze medals. This prompted official complaints from athletes who participated in the Paris 2024 Games.
The issue first made headlines when French swimmers Clément Secchi and Yohann Ndoye Brouard posted images of their decaying medals on social media. Secchi humorously described his rusty medal as “crocodile skin,” while Brouard joked that his medal resembled one from the 1924 Paris Games, over a century ago.
Reports suggest that the Monnaie de Paris has dismissed three of the production and quality directors responsible for the scandal, though these claims remain unconfirmed. What is certain is the widespread disappointment among athletes who received prizes unworthy of their accomplishments. British diver Yasmin Harper, among those who returned her medal, noted tarnishing and discoloration, speculating that water or other elements contributed to the damage.
The Paris 2024 Olympic medals were designed by luxury jewellers Chaumet and featured a piece of iron salvaged from the Eiffel Tower, intended to add a special touch to the prestigious awards. However, the rusting debacle has cast a shadow over their significance.
