Athletes return rusted medals from 2024 Paris Olympics due to defects
pennlive.com — February 4, 2025, 08:00 PM UTC
Athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics have reported rusting and tarnishing on their medals, with over 100 returning them due to defects. The bronze medals are particularly affected, resembling "crocodile hide," according to swimmer Clément Secchi. Monnaie de Paris, the mint that produced the medals, has replaced all damaged ones since August. The issue is linked to a new anti-corrosion varnish used to meet EU regulations. This is not the first time medal defects have occurred; similar problems were reported at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 Olympics.