Paris Olympics Medals To Have ‘Piece Of Eiffel Tower’

The medals awarded at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will hold a unique piece of history: a hexagon-shaped section of iron from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Organizers unveiled the design on Thursday, showcasing a collaboration between French jeweller Chaumet and the Paris Games organizing committee.

Unique symbol of a dream coming true.
The ultimate reward for a victory or a podium finish!
They carry in their hearts an actual fragment of the Eiffel Tower.
Here are the #Paris2024 Olympic and Paralympic medals.@Olympics @Paralympics pic.twitter.com/08VLwyVwq6

— Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) February 8, 2024

The medals feature a captivating design, including a circular arrangement of ridges to reflect light, reminiscent of the sun’s rays. The iron hexagon, representing mainland France’s contours, is secured by six spurs resembling the Eiffel Tower’s rivets.

The iron used was sourced from a Paris warehouse storing offcuts from the Tower’s maintenance over the years. Organizers emphasized the significance of incorporating this historic material into the medals, reflecting both the country’s heritage and sustainability efforts.

Manufactured by the national mint, the medals are made entirely from recycled metal, in line with modern environmental standards. Despite initial concerns about coating the medals to protect the iron from oxidation, organizers assure the process has been successful.

The Paris Olympics and Paralympics, scheduled from July 26 to September 8, will prominently feature the Eiffel Tower, with the opening ceremony promising a unique spectacle along the river Seine.