Winter Olympic medals are breaking as organizers investigate

Several athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics have reported that their medals broke shortly after being awarded, and Milan‑Cortina 2026 organizers say they are investigating the issue.

Several medal winners at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy have reported that their medals broke soon after they were presented. Videos and social posts from competing athletes show medals detaching from ribbons or separating into parts. Organizers have acknowledged the reports and said they are looking into the cause. The matter has drawn attention in part because media outlets reported similar replacement requests after the 2024 Paris Games. Reported details: - Athletes who posted footage include members of the U.S. team and the German biathlon team, showing medals that separated from their ribbons. - Alpine skier Breezy Johnson described the small fastening piece that holds the medal to the ribbon coming apart. - Milan‑Cortina 2026 chief games operations officer Andrea Francisi said organizers are aware of the situation and are investigating what the problem is. - Media reports note that more than 100 medal replacement requests followed the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to outlets that covered the issue. Summary: Reports of broken medals have prompted an official inquiry by Milan‑Cortina 2026, which says it is investigating the cause. The issue has attracted attention because similar replacement requests followed the 2024 Paris Games. Undetermined at this time.