Full Breakdown
Issues Arise with Olympic Medals at Milan-Cortina 2026
2/9/2026, 7:56:45 PM
Overview of the Medal Problems
At the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, several athletes have reported issues with their medals, specifically that the ribbons attaching the medals have broken shortly after being awarded. Notably, U.S. gold medalists Breezy Johnson and Alysa Liu experienced these problems during the opening weekend of the Games. Johnson, who won gold in women's downhill alpine skiing, showcased her broken medal at a media conference, while Liu shared a video on social media displaying her medal detached from its ribbon.
Athlete Experiences and Reactions
Breezy Johnson emphasized the fragility of the medals, stating, "Don't jump in them. I was jumping in excitement, and it broke." She noted that while her medal was not severely damaged, it had indeed come apart. Similarly, German biathlete Justus Strelow faced a mishap when his bronze medal fell off its ribbon during a celebratory moment with teammates. Strelow attempted to reattach the medal but discovered that a small clasp had broken off.
Alysa Liu's social media post humorously declared, "My medal don't need the ribbon," highlighting the unexpected nature of the situation. These incidents have raised concerns among athletes regarding the durability of the medals.
Organizers' Response and Investigation
Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for the Milan-Cortina organizing committee, acknowledged the situation and stated that they are investigating the matter with "maximum attention." He expressed the importance of ensuring that the medals, which represent the athletes' dreams, are presented in perfect condition. Francisi confirmed that the organizing committee is actively working to understand the issue and find a solution.
Historical Context of Medal Quality Concerns
This is not the first instance where Olympic medals have faced scrutiny regarding their quality. Following the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, some medals were reported to tarnish or corrode, leading to replacements for affected athletes. The current issues at Milan-Cortina have reignited discussions about the standards of medal production and the importance of maintaining quality for such significant awards.
What's Next for the Organizers
As the investigation continues, the Milan-Cortina organizing committee is expected to provide updates on the measures being taken to address the medal issues. Ensuring the integrity and quality of Olympic medals remains a priority as the Games progress, with organizers aiming to restore confidence among athletes and the public.
Verbatim Quotes
- “So there's the medal. And there's the ribbon,” — Breezy Johnson, Gold Medalist
- “Don't jump in them. I was jumping in excitement, and it broke,” — Breezy Johnson, Gold Medalist
- “We are aware of the situation. We have seen the images. Obviously we are trying to understand in detail if there is a problem,” — Andrea Francisi, Chief Games Operations Officer
