IOC To Replace Defective Paris 2024 Olympic Medals; Manu Bhaker Opts For Replacement
IOC To Replace Defective Paris 2024 Olympic Medals; Manu Bhaker Opts For Replacement
January 15, 2025: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that defective medals from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be replaced with identical models. The decision comes after athletes reported damage to the medals due to changes in varnish regulations.
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, a double bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, confirmed her intention to replace her medals. Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, securing bronze in the 10m air pistol event. She later added another bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event with Sarabjot Singh.
Speaking about the announcement, Bhaker said, “If they are replacing, then yes, I would like to get mine also replaced.”
The Monnaie de Paris, the French state mint responsible for manufacturing the medals, has been working with the Paris Olympics Organising Committee to address complaints. While rejecting the term “defective,” the mint confirmed that damaged medals reported since August have already been replaced.
Each of the 5,084 medals designed by Chaumet features a small piece of the Eiffel Tower, adding unique significance to the Paris Games’ legacy.
