Organizers of the 2026 Winter Olympics are investigating why medals are breaking shortly after the Games began, following reports from athletes experiencing issues with their medals.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are facing quality control issues just days into the event, as several athletes have reported problems with their medals breaking. Team USA alpine ski racer Breezy Johnson shared her experience of the medal's ribbon detaching from the medal itself, presenting it during a press conference to demonstrate the issue. She described her surprise and disappointment when the ribbon broke moments after receiving the medal, highlighting an apparent flaw in the design or manufacturing process.
Another athlete, figure skater Alysa Liu, echoed Johnson's sentiments, recounting a similar experience with her gold medal. These incidents raise concerns about the durability and quality of the medals that athletes proudly wear after achieving one of their sport's highest honors. Both athletes conveyed a light-heartedness about the mishaps, suggesting that these are not catastrophic failures, but they point to a need for scrutiny on the part of the organizers.
The situation has prompted Olympic organizers to investigate the materials and production methods of the medals to ensure that they meet the expectations of both athletes and spectators. As the Games continue, the outcome of this inquiry could impact the reputations of the organizers and the manufacturers involved, as well as the overall perception of the event's credibility.
