‘6-7%’ Of Rio Medals Falling Apart

Multiple sources have reported that some of the 2016 Olympic medals are falling apart.

Per NBC Olympics, some of the medals have suffered ‘unsightly staining’ or had their coverings fall away. The news was originally reported by AFP (Agence France-Presse), but their story appears to have been taken down.

France 24 estimates 2,021 medals were awarded last summer. Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada commented on the subject, mentioning any defective medals would be replaced.

“We’re seeing problems with the covering on between six or seven percent of the medals and it seems to be to do with the difference in temperatures.” Together with the IOC we’re setting up a system for replacing the defective medals,” he said. “The medals will either be repaired or replaced”.

6-7% of all medals would be somewhere between 121 and 141 medals.

Andrada also mentioned that the problem occurred mostly in silver and bronze medals, and that the Brazilian mint and the IOC are working on a system to repair the damaged medals. NBC Olympics also mentioned that about 30% of the silver and bronze medals came from recycled materials.

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Lane Four
7 years ago

Seriously, I remember that the gold medals won from the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games lost all of their golden covering. Every single one I saw from friends who had won gold medals in Mexico became silver medals. The coating of gold was way too thin and rubbed off very easily. Most had to take it upon themselves and go to a professional jeweler and have gold put back on. So, Rio isn’t the first to have medal troubles.

Mikeh
7 years ago

I blame Lochte.

Kirk Nelson
7 years ago

It’s probably because everyone has to do that stupid pose where they bite their medals during the award ceremony. 🙂

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Kirk Nelson
7 years ago

LOL

Joy macnaughton
7 years ago

Does anyone one know where to send your medal for replacement?

2Fat4Speed
Reply to  Joy macnaughton
7 years ago

Put them In the box labeled “2Fat4Speed” at the King County Aquatic Center. You will then need to contact the reliable folks at the Brazilian Olympic Committee.

Uberfan
7 years ago

Even they’re medals sucked

Uberfan
Reply to  Uberfan
7 years ago

*their

Lane Four
Reply to  Uberfan
7 years ago

Agree.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Uberfan
7 years ago

Evan that …..mirror of a decaying business world .

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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