After days of embarrassing tales about Winter Olympic medals cracking, snapping, and even breaking in two after falling within the snow, organisers say they’ve lastly fastened the issue.
Officers have additionally promised to restore any of the medals that have been awarded within the opening three days of competitors in Milano Cortina, after figuring out on Monday that the problem stemmed from the medal’s twine, which is fitted with a breakaway mechanism required by legislation.
The system is designed to launch routinely if pulled with power, stopping the wearer from being choked. Nonetheless it led to issues that started on Saturday when the American downhill snowboarding champion Breezy Johnson revealed that her gold medal had fallen off her ribbon as she jumped in celebration.
Talking on the each day Milano Cortina briefing, spokesman Luca Cassasa stated: “Following stories of points affecting a small variety of medals, the organising committee instantly reviewed the matter, working intently with the State Mint, which produced the medals.
“An answer has been recognized, and a focused repair has been put in place,” he added. “Athletes whose medals have been affected are inspired to return them by way of the suitable channels in order that they are often promptly repaired and returned.
“Milano Cortina 2026 stays absolutely dedicated to making sure that medals, which characterize the top of each athlete’s journey, meet the very best requirements of high quality and care.”
Different athletes have additionally reported issues, together with the Sweden cross‑nation skier Ebba Andersson, who stated that her medal “fell within the snow and broke in two” – whereas the US determine skater Alysa Liu additionally posted on Instagram that the ribbon had come off her group gold medal.
Cassasa admitted that he didn’t know the exact variety of medals that had been damaged or broken. “However you will need to stress that, as a precaution, we’re rechecking all of the medals to ensure that the athletes’ pleasure can actually be 360 levels after they conquer one thing which is so treasured and so essential for them, but additionally for us, the supporters,” he added.
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