The medals for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are truly remarkable, blending the rich history of France with the iconic symbolism of the Olympic movement. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
- Piece of the Eiffel Tower: Each medal contains an original piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing the fusion of French heritage and athletic achievement.
- Design Collaboration: Paris 2024 collaborated with Chaumet, a renowned jeweler under the LVMH Group, to design the medals, ensuring they are not just awards but exquisite pieces of craftsmanship.
- Hexagonal Shape: The hexagon, inspired by the shape of France itself, is used as the central motif of the medal. This shape holds the piece of the Eiffel Tower and bears the emblem of the Paris 2024 Games.
- Radiance: Fine lines project outward from the hexagon, representing both the radiance of France and the shining performances of the athletes.
- Gem-setting: The Eiffel Tower iron piece is set into the medal using a symbolic craft. The setting, resembling the famous rivets of the Eiffel Tower, adds depth to the design.
- Unified Design: Both Olympic and Paralympic medals share one side with the same design, emphasizing the unity of the Games. This side features the Eiffel Tower iron and is adorned with ribbons inspired by the Eiffel Tower lattice work.
- Unique Stories: The other side of the medal tells the story of the Olympic Games’ rebirth in Greece. It features the goddess of victory Athena Nike emerging from the Panathenaic Stadium, now joined by the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing the connection between ancient and modern Olympic history.
Overall, these medals not only celebrate athletic achievement but also serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Olympic Games and the cultural significance of the host city, Paris.
