The IOC has released the medals for the major event that will take place in Paris this year
Paris is preparing to host one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events: the 2024 Olympic Games. With less than six months to go until the opening ceremony, the organizing committee has announced an emblematic detail: the medals that will be awarded to the athletes who will take part in this historic competition and be at the Eiffel Tower.
The 2024 Olympic Organizing Committee has taken an innovative step to create a closer connection. In an announcement from the event’s organizers on Thursday, February 8, it was revealed that the medals will be awarded for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games contains an 18 gram fragment of the iconic original Eiffel Tower from 1889.
Parts of the Eiffel Tower were crucial in the creation of the medals for this event
Tony Estanguet, President of the Organizing Committee, explained the decision behind this innovative decision. “We had to look for a symbol of the country and the capital, the Eiffel Tower. We couldn’t be content with just drawing it on the medal, we had to find the link“. This gesture is not only intended to represent France, but also to honor the dedication and commitment of the Olympic athletes.
Working with the renowned jeweler Chaumet, the aim was to create something that not only symbolized effort and sporting excellence, but was also a true jewel. Estanguet added. “Each edition is represented by its medals And it was important to us to be as beautiful as possible, to show the best of France and to convey a strong message.”
Great world athletes have expressed their gratitude with this decision
To ensure equality and inclusion at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a fragment of the Eiffel Tower in both modalities. In addition, the inclusion of the Braille language in the design of the Paralympic medals was considered, as a tribute to the Frenchman Louis Braille, the inventor of this system.
This announcement marks a historic milestone in the relationship between the Olympic Games and the cultural identity of a host country. With this decision, Paris 2024 prepares to celebrate an event that brings together the best of world sport with the culture and history of France. “There is nothing more symbolic than adopting a piece of French heritage,” said Martin Fourcade.