Winning an Olympic gold medal is a huge achievement for any athlete. It represents all the hard work and dedication that they have put into their sport. In Paris 2024, winning athletes will receive a special gold medal that includes a piece of the iconic Eiffel Tower.
The gold medals for the 2024 Olympics were designed by Chaumet, a French luxury jewelry and watch brand. The medal features a hexagon in the middle, paying homage to France’s nickname “L’hexagone” because of the country’s roughly six-sided shape. Surrounding the hexagon are strand-like shapes that symbolize the radiant light of Paris, known as the “city of light.” The six edges of the hexagon have claw settings that resemble the rivets on the Eiffel Tower.
What makes the Paris 2024 gold medals even more special is that they contain 0.04 pounds of iron renovation pieces from the Eiffel Tower. This is the first time that a piece of a city’s historic landmark has been included in an Olympic medal.
In total, around 5,084 medals were created for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with approximately 2,600 for the Olympics and 2,400 for the Paralympics. The gold medal weighs 1.17 pounds, slightly heavier than the silver medal at 1.16 pounds and the bronze at 1 pound.
The Eiffel Tower has a deep connection to the Olympics, as it was a significant fixture of the 1889 World Fair. The original tower was made of wrought iron, and when it underwent renovations, pieces of the original iron were preserved. These iron pieces now make up the hexagon figure in the middle of the Olympic gold medal.
During the medal ceremony, the gold medal is placed around the winning athlete’s neck on the podium. The athlete also receives a stuffed souvenir of the Paris 2024 mascot, and the national anthem of the winning athlete’s country is played.
According to Forbes, a Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal is valued at around $950. This not only represents the physical value of the medal but also the years of dedication and hard work that the athlete has put into their sport.
Overall, the inclusion of a piece of the Eiffel Tower in the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medals adds a unique and special touch to an already prestigious award. It serves as a reminder of the history and significance of the host city, making the victory even more memorable for the winning athletes.