Olympic Medals Cracking at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games
Olympic medals have long stood as the ultimate representation of human excellence, embodying years of relentless training, personal sacrifice, and glorious victory. Cast in precious gold, silver, or bronze, these iconic awards symbolize far more than podium finishes—they represent lifelong aspirations fulfilled on the global stage. However, at the ongoing Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026, these cherished symbols are revealing unexpected fragility, raising serious concerns about manufacturing standards and quality assurance during the early days of competition.
Multiple Medal Failures Reported Across Events
Disturbing reports have emerged from the Winter Games indicating that victory medals are sustaining damage almost immediately after being awarded. According to verified information from Reuters, American downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson discovered her gold medal already chipped mere minutes following the ceremony, telling journalists, "It is heavy, it's broken."
The problems extend across multiple sports and nations. German biathlete Justus Strelow experienced his bronze medal cracking when it fell during team celebrations, while Swedish cross-country skier Ebba Andersson reported her skiathlon silver medal "fell in the snow and broke in two," as documented by SVT through Reuters. Additionally, American figure skater Alysa Liu shared on Instagram that the ribbon attaching her team gold medal completely detached.
Organizers Launch Immediate Investigation
Milano Cortina Chief Games Operations Officer Andrea Francisi addressed the growing controversy during a February 9 press conference, stating, "We are fully aware of the situation and you have seen the pictures... We are looking into what exactly the problem is." Francisi emphasized the organization's commitment to resolution, pledging, "We will pay maximum attention to the medals ... so that everything will be perfect because this is one of the most important things for the athletes."
In separate comments to the BBC, Francisi reinforced that medals represent athletes' "dreams" and confirmed the matter is receiving "maximum attention" from Olympic officials. ABC News has documented at least four separate medal failure incidents by the third day of competition, with organizers promising rapid corrective measures.
Design Elements and Safety Features Under Scrutiny
The medal construction incorporates specific design choices that may contribute to the durability issues. A confidential source informed Reuters that the medal cords include a legally mandated breakaway mechanism intended to prevent choking hazards if pulled forcefully. This safety feature, while important, might inadvertently snap during moments of athletic celebration such as jumping, causing medals to fall and sustain damage.
The medals themselves feature an innovative design with two "discs of ice" halves connected by Olympic symbols, weighing approximately 500 grams for gold and silver versions (containing 6 grams of actual gold) and 420 grams for bronze medals. Their textured surfaces combine frosted and polished finishes to symbolize both the athlete and their supporting network.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
This is not the first time Olympic medal quality has faced scrutiny. During the Paris 2024 Summer Games, organizers reportedly replaced 220 medals due to tarnishing issues, according to BBC coverage. The current situation at Milano Cortina raises broader questions about manufacturing processes, material selection, and quality control protocols for what should be enduring symbols of athletic achievement.
As the investigation continues, athletes and fans worldwide await assurances that future medals will withstand the emotional and physical demands of Olympic victory celebrations, preserving these historic tokens for generations to come.
