Recent reports have raised alarms about the durability of medals awarded at the Games, citing incidents where silver, gold, and bronze medals broke or fell apart due to their weight and fragility. For instance, the silver medal won by Swedish athlete Ebba Andersson broke into several pieces after rolling into a crevice between the snow and a sign, highlighting the risk of damage in competitive environments. Similarly, the gold medal of American athlete Breezy Johnson came loose from its collar, threatening to be lost among the throngs of spectators at Cortina.

These incidents are causing concern among athletes who rely on their medals as not only symbols of achievement but also as keepsakes of their hard work and dedication. Many athletes express their disbelief over the fragile nature of these awards, questioning the quality control measures in place during their production. The bronze medal awarded to snowboarder Lucia Dalmasso serves as an emotional reminder of personal triumph, yet its fragility adds a layer of anxiety as expectations rise in competitive sports.

The implications of such concerns extend beyond mere aesthetics; they call into question the manufacturers' responsibility in providing durable and safe awards for athletes. With growing scrutiny over the construction of these medals, organizers may need to reassess their design and material choices to better preserve the integrity of these significant prizes for future events.