Quick Read
- Medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina are reportedly breaking, prompting an official investigation.
- US team figure skating gold medalist Liu and alpine skier Breezy Johnson reported their medals separated from ribbons.
- The German biathlon team shared a video of their bronze medal breaking during celebrations.
- Milan-Cortina 2026 chief games operations officer Andrea Francisi confirmed the issue is being investigated.
- Similar medal breakage issues were reported for over 100 medalists from the 2024 Paris Games.
MILANO-CORTINA (Azat TV) – Organizers of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy have launched an urgent investigation into multiple reports of medals breaking, casting a shadow over the integrity of the coveted awards just as the Games are in full swing. This development has prompted concerns among athletes and officials, particularly after similar issues were reported following the 2024 Paris Games.
The issue gained prominence with several high-profile incidents involving medalists from the current Winter Olympics. Among the first to report a problem was a member of the U.S. Team, which secured a gold medal in the team figure skating event. The athlete, identified as Liu in a BBC report, demonstrated that her medal had separated from its ribbon, effectively splitting the prize into two distinct parts.
Olympic Medals Show Unexpected Flaws
The problem is not isolated to the U.S. contingent. The German biathlon team also experienced a similar setback with their bronze medal. A video shared on social media by the team captured the moment one of their medals broke apart and fell to the floor during a brief celebration, leading them to humorously question the Olympics organizers about the durability of the awards. Breezy Johnson, who earned a gold medal in alpine skiing, also reported that her prize had come apart, stating to reporters, “So there’s the medal. And there’s the ribbon.”
These incidents have quickly drawn the attention of the Games’ leadership. Andrea Francisi, chief games operations officer for Milan-Cortina 2026, confirmed that officials are fully aware of the situation and are actively investigating the root cause of the breakages. “We are fully aware of the situation. We are looking into exactly what the problem is,” Francisi reportedly stated, emphasizing the significant importance of these Olympic symbols.
Past Issues and Medal Integrity
The recurring nature of these medal integrity concerns adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. According to an article by People magazine, the issue of faulty Olympic awards is not unique to the 2026 Winter Olympics. The publication noted that more than 100 medalists from the 2024 Paris Games reportedly requested replacements for their awards due to similar damage. Monnaie de Paris, the manufacturer responsible for the Paris medals, has not confirmed the exact number of damaged items, but the pattern suggests a systemic challenge in the production or design of these prestigious accolades.
The breaking of Olympic medals, which are the ultimate symbol of athletic achievement and often feature the iconic Olympic Rings, undermines the tangible representation of years of dedication and sacrifice. As the Milano-Cortina Games continue, athletes and fans alike will be watching closely for a resolution to ensure that the physical awards truly reflect the monumental efforts they represent.
The repeated failure of Olympic medals to withstand even minor celebratory handling highlights a critical quality control issue, potentially diminishing the symbolic value of these awards for athletes who dedicate their lives to earning them.