The Eiffel Tower metal incorporated into Olympic and Paralympic medals comes from parts of the monument's structure that were removed during renovations. During the 20th century. This is called paddle iron, a nearly pure form of iron from which excess carbon has been removed through a process known as paddling, and was produced in the forges and blast furnaces of Pompeii in Lorraine.
A 0.6oz paddle iron is set in the center of each medal. While retaining the natural colors, we changed the shape to a hexagon, a geometric shape representative of France.
Iron lady everywhere
The Iron Lady also inspired the unique design of the ribbon, which allows athletes to wear their medals with pride. The medal ribbons for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games feature a grid of the Eiffel Tower.and The red of the ribbons on the Paralympic medals is reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower's original colors, Venetian red and red-brown.
The monument can also be found here the other side of the medal.
As explained in Paris 2024, olympic medals:”The medal's traditional feature, Nike, the goddess of victory, is depicted in the foreground in front of the Panathenaic Stadium, which witnessed the 1896 Olympic revival. Also depicted is the Acropolis, another important feature of her on this side of the Olympic Games. medal. Paris 2024 in particular features not only this but also the Eiffel Tower mirroring the Acropolis on the other side of the stadium. In this way, the inspiration for the ancient Olympic Games in Greece, the origins of the modern Olympic Games in France, and the upcoming edition in Paris are all expressed.”
On the other side of paralympic medals is a pure reflection of Paris 2024 and Chaumet's creative choices. It features an original graphic representation of the Eiffel Tower structure viewed from above, which thousands of tourists see each day as they arrive on the promenade.
5,084 gold, silver, and bronze pieces The medals are minted by the Monnaie de Paris in the heart of Paris. – 100 years after the 1924 Olympic medal!
It's an extraordinary adventure, and the Eiffel Tower is proud to be a part of it.
Photo credits:
© Paris 2024 / Cyril Masson
