Olympic medals detach from ribbons during opening-weekend celebrations

Several Olympic medals at the Milan Cortina Winter Games detached from their ribbons during opening-weekend celebrations, and organizers said they are investigating and working on a solution.

Several athletes at the Milan Cortina Winter Games reported that their medals detached from the official ribbons during opening-weekend celebrations. Winners described broken clasps or medals coming free while they celebrated. Television footage and social media showed at least one bronze falling to the floor and a gold medal off its ribbon. Organizers said they have seen the images and are looking into the issue. Details: - Gold medalist Breezy Johnson said she was jumping in excitement when her medal broke and described it as partly damaged. - German biathlete Justus Strelow had his mixed relay bronze fall from its ribbon during celebrations and appeared unable to reattach it, with a small broken piece visible on the floor. - U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu posted a clip showing her team-event gold detached from its official ribbon. - Andrea Francisi, chief games operations officer for the Milan Cortina organizing committee, said officials are investigating the reports and are paying close attention to the matter. Summary: Organizers said they are investigating the reports and working on a solution. The immediate effect was that some athletes received medals with detached ribbons or broken clasps during victory celebrations. Undetermined at this time.