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- How medals failed during celebrations
- Viral reaction on social platforms
- Organisers say the medals themselves are not cracking
- What organisers are doing about the faults
- Why the connector might be failing
- Medal materials and recent history of defects
- How this affects athletes and ceremony moments
- Next steps organisers say they will take
Several medal ceremonies at the Milan Cortina Winter Games turned awkward when winners discovered their hardware was coming loose within hours of stepping off the podium. Videos and posts from athletes showed medals detaching from their ribbons, prompting organisers to open an inquiry and athletes to warn teammates to handle their prizes with care.
How medals failed during celebrations
Multiple incidents were captured on camera and circulated online. In each case, the circular medal remained intact, but the small metal link fastening it to the ribbon detached. Athletes found themselves holding discs instead of wearing them.
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- U.S. skier Breezy Johnson experienced a break while celebrating and later cautioned teammates to avoid jumping in their medals.
- Figure skater Alysa Liu shared footage showing her medal come away from its ribbon after a team victory.
- German biathlete Justus Strelow reported his bronze falling from the ribbon during the ceremony.
Viral reaction on social platforms
Clips showing medals dropping or dangling went viral quickly. Fans and commentators questioned material quality. Athletes responded in real time, posting video evidence and trade comments of solidarity.
- Messages on X and other sites described the scenes as medals “falling apart” during podium celebrations.
- Some athletes joked about the mishaps, while others voiced frustration over a marred moment.
Organisers say the medals themselves are not cracking
Milan Cortina officials explained the problem is not a fractured medal face. The design includes a visible decorative line across the front, which can look like a break. The actual weakness appears to be the tiny connector that links ribbon to disc.
The medal body stays undamaged, but the connector can separate under movement or pressure. That leaves winners carrying the medal instead of wearing it.
What organisers are doing about the faults
Games operations leaders confirmed they are reviewing images and footage supplied by athletes. They described the issue as a priority and said teams are investigating to determine the root cause.
Officials stressed the need to restore the moment for athletes and promised corrective action while they study the problem in detail.
Why the connector might be failing
Manufacturing tolerances, assembly stress, or an unintended design weak point could explain the snaps. Early assessment points to the small metal clasp or bracket as the likely culprit, not the medal plate itself.
Possible contributing factors
- Design elements that mimic fractures, causing visual confusion.
- Insufficient strength in the small metal loop or rivet.
- Unexpected forces during exuberant celebrations.
Medal materials and recent history of defects
People often ask what Olympic medals are actually made from. Typical composition is:
- Bronze medals: mainly copper.
- Silver medals: largely pure silver.
- Gold medals: mostly silver with a thin gold plating, including a few grams of pure gold.
Recent Games have seen problems before. At Paris 2024 some winners reported tarnishing and ribbon issues that required replacements. That precedent added urgency to this inquiry.
How this affects athletes and ceremony moments
For many competitors, the podium is a once-in-a-lifetime instant. A failing connector interrupts that experience and forces quick fixes.
- Athletes are left holding medals awkwardly during photos.
- Teams must arrange replacements or repairs, adding logistical steps.
- The visual of a medal detaching sparks public debate about quality control.
Next steps organisers say they will take
Officials said they are collecting evidence and assessing production processes. They promised changes if the defect is traced to manufacturing or assembly.
Teams on site are prepared to repair or swap affected medals, and investigators are examining how to prevent recurrence while the Games continue.
