Olympic medals have two sides: one featuring the standard Olympic design and the other showcasing the unique artistry of the host nation. The 2008 Beijing Olympics medals were particularly striking, with the reverse side inlaid with a circular piece of jade adorned with dragon patterns. At the center of this jade piece was the Beijing Olympic emblem, which captivated the world with its elegance.
Jade-inlaid medals created for the Beijing 2008 Olympics /CFP
Jade holds great cultural value in China, symbolizing virtue and moral integrity. It represents beauty, respect, love, and mutual assistance, embodying the essence of Chinese civilization and reflecting the Olympic spirit of unity and friendship.
Iron from the Eiffel Tower was used to inlay the Paris Olympic medals. /CFP
As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the medal design continues this tradition of cultural representation. Each medal incorporates original iron from the Eiffel Tower. These metals, from beams and parts replaced during the Tower's renovation, were stripped of paint to reveal their natural color and cut into hexagons to be set into one side of the medals. The hexagon symbolizes France, and the inclusion of Eiffel Tower iron adds historical depth and significance.
By blending their unique cultures with the Olympic spirit, both Beijing and Paris have created medals that convey much more than just the honor of winning.