The organisers of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics have revealed that the medals and podiums for the 2024 edition are inspired by the design of the Eiffel Tower.
A piece of Eiffel Tower on the Medals
Thousands of athletes across the globe cherish an Olympic medal as that makes them a part of history. In this edition of the Olympics, the medals will have a piece of Eiffel Tower set like a jewel.
The design is a combination of one of the strongest symbols of the Olympic Games -the medals -with the most iconic symbol of the French nation -the Eiffel Tower.
For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, every Olympic and Paralympic medal will be adorned with a highly symbolic original iron used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower.
The metal is derived from parts of the monument’s structure removed during renovation works during the 20th century. It is called puddle iron, a pure form of iron with excess carbon removed by the process of puddling.
This initiative is the result of collaboration between Paris Olympic authorities and Chaumet Jewelry House.
The medal ribbon features the latticework of the Eiffel Tower. The ribbon for the Paralympic medals bears the original colours of the Eiffel Tower, i.e venetian red and red-brown.
All the 5,084 medals will be minted by the Monnaie de Paris, 100 years after the medals for the 1924 games.
The metal arches of Eiffel Tower on the Podiums
The podiums of Paris Olympics feature a design inspired by the famous metal arches created by Gustave Eiffel. The lines and curves adorn the podium’s facade.
Two colours were chosen for the podiums- grey in homage to the rooftops of Paris and off-white to allow full focus on the athletes and Para-athletes.
The designed podiums will be used for all 329 medal ceremonies at the Olympic Games and each of the 549 ceremonies at the Paralympic Games.
These eco-friendly podiums are made by Le Pavé, Global Concept and Giffard. These are made from French wood and 100% recycled plastic.
