The organizers of the Paris Olympics have unveiled a distinctive incentive for winners of the upcoming Games: medals containing fragments of the iconic Eiffel Tower. This approach aims to establish a profound connection between the Olympic Games and the essence of France itself.
Thierry Reboul, serving as the creative director for Paris 2024, underscored the monumental significance of the Eiffel Tower as a quintessential symbol not only of Paris but also of the entire nation of France. By offering athletes the opportunity to possess a tangible piece of this iconic landmark, the organizers seek to imbue the medals with profound cultural and emotional value.
Crafted by the esteemed jeweler Chaumet, the medals feature hexagon-shaped tokens weighing 18 grams, symbolizing the distinctive shape of France.
These tokens are meticulously fashioned from recycled iron sourced from previous renovations of the Eiffel Tower, adding layers of historical significance to the medals themselves. Positioned at the center of the gold, silver, and bronze medals, these tokens are encircled by intricate designs reminiscent of rays of light, drawing inspiration from Chaumet’s rich artistic heritage.
On the reverse side of the medals, the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, is prominently featured, flanked by iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Notably, the Paralympic medals offer a unique perspective of the Tower from below, with the inscription “Paris 2024” rendered in braille as a tribute to its French inventor.
Manufactured with precision by the Monnaie de Paris, France’s mint, these medals serve as more than just symbols of athletic achievement.
They are intended to be cherished mementos, providing athletes with a tangible reminder of their success while honoring the rich cultural heritage embodied by the Eiffel Tower. Through this innovative approach, the Paris Olympics organizers hope to forge enduring connections between athletes, the city of Paris, and the global Olympic community.
