The euphoria of Olympic victory in Milano Cortina is proving…fragile. A surprising trend has emerged: medals are breaking during celebrations, leaving athletes with fragmented symbols of their hard-won achievements.
It began with Breezy Johnson, the American downhill skiing gold medalist. Her unrestrained joy – a celebratory jump – proved too much for the delicate construction of her prize. The medal detached from its ribbon, a stark reminder that even triumph has its limits.
Johnson, quick to warn her fellow competitors, showed silver medalist Emma Aicher the separated pieces at a press conference. “I was jumping in excitement, and it broke,” she explained, acknowledging the damage wasn’t catastrophic, but undeniably present.
She wasn’t alone. US figure skater Alysa Liu documented her own medal mishap on social media, playfully captioning a video of the broken ribbon: “My medal don’t need the ribbon.” The clip quickly circulated, highlighting the growing issue.
The problem extended beyond the American team. German biathlete Justus Strelow experienced a similar fate during his mixed relay bronze celebration. His medal snapped free, clattering to the floor as he and his teammates rejoiced.
The German biathlon team humorously questioned the medal’s durability online, asking, “Are they not meant to be celebrated?” Their post underscored the irony of a symbol of achievement failing under the weight of excitement.
Even a more subdued celebration couldn’t guarantee a medal’s integrity. Swedish skier Ebba Andersson’s silver medal came apart as she ran with gold medalist Frida Karlsson, a small pin giving way under the strain.
Andersson admitted she might have been pushing the medal’s limits, playfully blaming her attempt to keep pace with Karlsson’s speed. “I was a bit stupid trying to follow her,” she confessed, acknowledging the exuberant moment.
Organizers are now investigating the issue, recognizing the profound significance of the medal to each athlete. Andrea Francisi, the chief operations officer, stated they are working to ensure “everything is absolutely perfect” during the medal presentation.
The dream of an Olympic medal is powerful, and the last thing anyone wants is for that dream to literally fall apart in the hands of those who’ve earned it. The focus now is on understanding the flaw and ensuring future celebrations remain intact.
