Organizers of the 2026 Winter Olympics said they found a fix for the medals that have been reported by athletes as broken or chipped.
Team USA alpine ski racing gold medallist Breezy Johnson revealed during a press conference that the ribbon of her gold medal had broken away shortly after she took the podium:
“They are a little bit finicky so they actually gave me a new one.” -Breezy Johnson
Figure skating gold medalist Alysa Liu suffered a similar fate as her medal came apart soon after she received it. In an Instagram video, she showed the separated ribbon and medal. Teammate and roommate Ellie Kam told Reuters Liu was celebrating when the medal fell and was dented. Kam later said Liu received a replacement.
German biathlete Justus Strelow’s medal detached from its ribbon during a celebration following his team’s 3rd place finish. Swedish cross-country skier Ebba Andersson said her silver medal broke in two after falling into the snow during a victory lap.
Milan-Cortina 2026 chief Games operations officer Andrea Francisi says organizers were aware of the issue and investigating. Officials say athletes whose medals were affected could return them so that they can be promptly repaired.
An unnamed source familiar with the matter told Reuters the problem may be tied to the medals’ ribbon, which includes a legally required breakaway mechanism designed to release under force to prevent choking.
