Multiple sources have reported that some of the 2016 Olympic medals are falling apart.
Per NBC Olympics, some of the medals have suffered ‘unsightly staining’ or had their coverings fall away. The news was originally reported by AFP (Agence France-Presse), but their story appears to have been taken down.
France 24 estimates 2,021 medals were awarded last summer. Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada commented on the subject, mentioning any defective medals would be replaced.
“We’re seeing problems with the covering on between six or seven percent of the medals and it seems to be to do with the difference in temperatures.” Together with the IOC we’re setting up a system for replacing the defective medals,” he said. “The medals will either be repaired or replaced”.
6-7% of all medals would be somewhere between 121 and 141 medals.
Andrada also mentioned that the problem occurred mostly in silver and bronze medals, and that the Brazilian mint and the IOC are working on a system to repair the damaged medals. NBC Olympics also mentioned that about 30% of the silver and bronze medals came from recycled materials.
Seriously, I remember that the gold medals won from the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games lost all of their golden covering. Every single one I saw from friends who had won gold medals in Mexico became silver medals. The coating of gold was way too thin and rubbed off very easily. Most had to take it upon themselves and go to a professional jeweler and have gold put back on. So, Rio isn’t the first to have medal troubles.
I blame Lochte.
It’s probably because everyone has to do that stupid pose where they bite their medals during the award ceremony. 🙂
LOL
Does anyone one know where to send your medal for replacement?
Put them In the box labeled “2Fat4Speed” at the King County Aquatic Center. You will then need to contact the reliable folks at the Brazilian Olympic Committee.
Even they’re medals sucked
*their
Agree.
Evan that …..mirror of a decaying business world .