Paris Olympics Medals Echo Rio Defect Issues

Olympic athletes from the 2024 Paris Games have reported that their medals, designed by LVMH-owned Chaumet, are deteriorating, leading to over 100 requests for replacements. The Monnaie de Paris, responsible for manufacturing the medals, admitted a varnish defect caused by changes in EU regulations, which led to oxidation issues. LVMH, although responsible for the design, has distanced itself from the production-related problems and has not commented on the matter. The International Olympic Committee has apologized and promised to replace the defective medals. The issue has particularly affected bronze medals, with athletes like French swimmers Clément Secchi and Yohann Ndoye Brouard publicly displaying their damaged awards. This incident echoes similar problems from the 2016 Rio Olympics, where thousands of medals had to be replaced due to defects.