Organisers of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are investigating the breakage of medals after several athletes reported that their medals fell apart during celebrations.
The Winter Olympics 2026 in Milano Cortina is facing a significant issue as at least four athletes have reported their medals breaking during celebrations, prompting concerns about the durability of the awards. The medals are reportedly detaching from their ribbons even with light movement, raising red flags about their design and construction. Andrea Francisi, the chief operations officer for the organising committee, has acknowledged the problem and emphasized that they are treating it with the utmost seriousness as these medals represent the dreams and achievements of the athletes.
In response to the incidents, the Milano Cortina organising committee is actively investigating the apparent fragility of the medals and is seeking solutions to ensure that such issues do not continue. Francisi stated that they are committed to understanding whether there is an underlying problem with the design or manufacturing of the medals. This proactive approach is crucial not only to maintain the integrity of the awards but also to uphold the ceremonial spirit of the Olympics, where the presentation of medals is a significant highlight for athletes.
The concerns surrounding the medals come during the first three days of competition, a critical time when many athletes are experiencing their Olympic dreams. The last thing organisers want is for the presentation of medals—meant to signify hard work and dedication—to be marred by concerns over their quality. Therefore, the quick response from the organisers highlights their commitment to athlete satisfaction and the overall success of the Winter Olympics event.
