Can Winter Olympics Athletes Get Their Broken Medals Fixed?

The ongoing issue surrounding broken medals at the Winter Olympics has prompted Milan-Cortina 2026 organisers to take swift action, as they confirm a solution has been identified to fix the defective medals awarded to athletes. Recently, gold medallists Breezy Johnson and Alysa Liu from the USA highlighted the alarming problem where the ribbons detached from their medals just moments after receiving them. This situation not only affects the athletes' celebrations but also raises questions about the quality standards of Olympic medals.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Milan-Cortina 2026 organising committee is currently addressing the fallout from reports of broken medals which have marred the experience for several athletes. Following revelations from American gold medallists Breezy Johnson and Alysa Liu, who both experienced issues with their medals, the organisers have assured that steps are being taken to resolve these problems. Athletes whose medals have been affected are encouraged to return them for repairs. The organisers have committed to maintaining the highest quality standards for the medals, which are a symbol of athletes' hard work and dedication.

Key takeaways

• Milan-Cortina 2026 organisers have identified a solution for broken medals.
• Gold medallists Breezy Johnson and Alysa Liu reported issues with their medals immediately after receiving them.
• Athletes are advised to return their medals for repairs to ensure quality standards.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of events leading up to the current situation regarding the broken medals:

• 6-22 February 2026: Winter Olympics held in Milan-Cortina.
• 15 October 2023: Reports emerge of broken medals affecting several athletes, including Breezy Johnson and Alysa Liu.
• October 2023: Milan-Cortina organisers confirm they are working on a solution.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest development includes the confirmation from the organising committee that a targeted fix has been identified for the broken medals. They are actively encouraging athletes to return their faulty medals for repairs. However, details regarding the exact nature of the issue and the specifics of the fix have not yet been disclosed by the organisers.

What was already established

Prior to these recent incidents, concerns about the quality of Olympic medals were already present, notably with reports of tarnishing affecting athletes' medals from the previous Summer Games. As of February 2025, there have been 220 requests for replacements due to wear and tear, indicating a worrying trend regarding the durability of Olympic awards.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers, the ongoing situation may raise concerns about the quality of merchandise related to the Olympics, including memorabilia and collectibles. As the Olympics are a significant event for national pride, any issues regarding medal quality could impact the perception of the event and subsequent merchandise sales.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses involved in the production of Olympic items may face scrutiny over quality control measures. The response from Milan-Cortina 2026 may also influence hiring practices and the selection of vendors for future events, as reliability becomes paramount in maintaining the integrity of the Olympic brand.

Policy and regulation

The issue may prompt discussions around regulatory standards for Olympic merchandise and awards. As the governing bodies review the situation, there may be calls for stricter quality assurance checks for future Olympic medals to prevent similar occurrences.

Numbers that matter

• 220: Total requests for replacements of tarnished medals from the 2024 Summer Games.
• 2: Athletes who publicly reported broken medals at Milan-Cortina 2026.
• 1: Number of medal-related incidents reported from the German biathlon team.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Milan-Cortina 2026: The upcoming Winter Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
• Gold medal: The highest award given to the winner of an event at the Olympics.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the short term, athletes affected by the broken medals should follow the return process outlined by the organisers to ensure repairs are made swiftly. Additionally, further details regarding the fix should be anticipated from the organisers.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the Winter Olympics approach, it is crucial for the organisers to communicate effectively with athletes to maintain trust. Monitoring the situation will be important as the event nears, ensuring that any further incidents are addressed promptly.

Signals to watch

• Updates from Milan-Cortina 2026 regarding the medal repair process.
• Public feedback from athletes after receiving repaired medals.
• Reports on the quality of medals awarded during the Winter Olympics.

Practical guidance

Do

• Return any broken medals as instructed by the organisers.
• Stay informed about updates from the Milan-Cortina 2026 organising committee.

Don’t

• Do not attempt to fix the medals yourself, as this may void any repair processes.
• Avoid spreading unverified information about the medal issues before official updates are released.

Checklist

• Check if your medal has been affected by any defects.
• Follow the instructions for returning medals for repairs.
• Keep an eye on updates from the organising committee regarding the situation.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the organisers have stated that a fix has been identified, the specifics of the issue remain unclear. This lack of transparency about the exact nature of the problems could lead to further concerns among athletes and stakeholders. Additionally, the historical context of previous medal quality issues may exacerbate anxieties regarding the reliability of Olympic awards.

Bottom line

The situation surrounding the broken medals at the Winter Olympics highlights the importance of quality assurance in Olympic products. As Milan-Cortina 2026 works to rectify the issues, it is crucial for stakeholders to remain informed and proactive. Ensuring the integrity of Olympic medals is vital for maintaining the spirit of the Games and the pride of the athletes.

FAQs

What should athletes do if their medals are broken?

Affected athletes are encouraged to return their medals to the Milan-Cortina 2026 organising committee for repairs.

How many medals were reported broken at the Winter Olympics?

Reports currently indicate that a small number of medals were affected, specifically those awarded to athletes like Breezy Johnson and Alysa Liu.

Will the medals be replaced or repaired?

The organisers have confirmed that they will repair the broken medals rather than replace them.