Paris: The anticipation for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics reached new heights as the Organising Committee unveiled the meticulously crafted medals at the Paris 2024 Organising Committee headquarters in Saint-Denis. Scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11 for the Olympics and August 28 to September 8 for the Paralympics, these games promise to be not only a celebration of athletic excellence but also a tribute to the enduring spirit of France.
Nestled within each gleaming gold, silver, and bronze medal is a unique piece of Paris—the fragment of the iconic Eiffel Tower. This innovative design serves as a poignant testament to the universal values embodied by the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the rich history of France.
While Olympic and Paralympic medals have been symbols of athletic prowess for over a century, the Paris 2024 medals stand apart with their timeless elegance and the incorporation of a tangible piece of history. Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, expressed the desire to create something unique and singular. The medals are not just a fusion of gold, silver, and bronze; they also incorporate a part of the original Eiffel Tower metal, the iron, making them truly exceptional.
Estanguet stated, “What’s impactful for this year will be having a part of the original Eiffel Tower metal, the iron, in these various medals, and so this is what we wanted to do, to infuse all these 2024 athletes with that metal.”
The significance of incorporating a piece of the Eiffel Tower transcends symbolism; it encapsulates the very essence of the Olympic and Paralympic spirit—unity, diversity, and resilience. Each medal becomes a tangible connection to the heart of Paris, a reminder of the indomitable human spirit that knows no bounds.
Designed by renowned jeweler Chaumet, a total of 5084 medals have been manufactured for the biggest sporting spectacle of the year. The marriage of tradition and innovation in these medals is a testament to the commitment of Paris 2024 to create a lasting legacy and elevate the games to new heights.