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French Olympic swimmers Clément secchi and Yohann Ndoye Brouard have taken to social media to express their frustration over the deterioration of their bronze medals, which thay describe as having a “crocodile skin” appearance.The medals, awarded for their performance in the 4 x 100 meter medley relay at the Paris 2024 Games, were crafted by the Paris Mint and designed by luxury jeweler Chaumet. Their complaints echo those of other athletes, including British diver Yasmin Harper and American skateboarder Nyjah Huston, who have also reported issues with medal quality. the Monnaie de Paris has acknowledged the problem, stating that damaged medals will be replaced upon request, but some athletes, like Secchi, have reported delays in the replacement process. The bronze medals, made from a copper, tin, and zinc alloy, are prone to oxidation, a natural process that can be exacerbated by exposure to water. As the Paris Mint prepares to address these concerns, the athletes await the promised replacements, which are expected to be completed by early 2025.
Time.news Q&A: Deteriorating medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Marie Lefevre, a metals expert and jewelry designer, about the recent concerns regarding the quality of bronze medals awarded at the Paris 2024 Olympics. as reported, athletes like Clément Secchi and Yohann Ndoye Brouard have publicly expressed their frustrations over the visible deterioration of their medals. Dr. Lefevre, can you explain the issues these athletes are facing?
Dr. Lefevre: Certainly. The bronze medals, which were awarded to athletes competing in events like the 4 x 100 meter medley relay, are made from a specific alloy of copper, tin, and zinc. This composition,while common for medals,makes them susceptible to oxidation. The “crocodile skin” appearance mentioned by the athletes suggests that the surface is reacting chemically, which can be exacerbated by factors like humidity and exposure to water. This natural oxidation is part of the aging process of metals but can be notably problematic for items that are meant to be keepsakes.
Editor: That’s vrey insightful.We’ve seen similar complaints from athletes such as British diver Yasmin Harper and American skateboarder Nyjah Huston. Is this a widespread problem across the medals, or are certain events more affected?
Dr. Lefevre: It appears to be a broader issue rather then isolated incidents. When a large number of medals are produced in a single batch,inconsistencies can arise,especially if the manufacturing techniques do not effectively create a protective finish. The involvement of luxury jeweler Chaumet in the design process adds to the expectation of high quality, making these complaints more significant. The athletes’ feedback reflects a growing concern among competitors regarding the quality of their awards and the implications for future events.
Editor: The monnaie de Paris acknowledged this problem and mentioned that they will replace damaged medals upon request. What challenges could arise in the replacement process?
Dr. Lefevre: While it’s commendable that they are addressing the issue,the replacement process can be complex. Factors such as production timelines and raw material availability could cause delays. Athletes, like Clément Secchi, have already reported waiting for replacements, and such delays can affect an athlete’s satisfaction and connection to their achievements. Furthermore, maintaining the same design aesthetics while ensuring quality can be a significant challenge for the craftsmen involved.
Editor: Considering the technical aspects, what practical advice can athletes and collectors take to preserve the quality of their medals, especially in high-humidity environments?
Dr. Lefevre: The best approach to preserving medals includes a few key practices. First, keep medals in a cool, dry place, away from humid conditions. Using silica gel packets can help absorb excess moisture in display cases. Additionally, regular cleaning with a soft cloth can mitigate oxidation. However, it’s essential to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the surface. For collectors, investing in protective cases that limit exposure to air and moisture will ensure that their medals remain in pristine condition.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lefevre. As we look towards the future, how do you see the conversation about quality control evolving in large-scale events like the Olympics?
Dr. Lefevre: This situation certainly highlights the importance of quality control in product manufacturing, especially for items with emotional and historical significance like Olympic medals. As athletes become more vocal about their concerns, it may prompt organizers to implement stricter quality assurance processes moving forward. Transparency throughout the production process will also be critical, ensuring that athletes feel confident in the awards they receive.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Lefevre. This discussion highlights not just the quality of medals but also the emotional weight they carry for the athletes. we look forward to seeing how this situation evolves as the Paris Mint addresses these issues in the coming months.