Concerns arose over The Rio Olympics before the games even officially took place last summer with issues such as unfinished construction, green pool water, and faulty plumbing. 

However, nine months after the Games ended, the troubles continue. On Friday, Reuters reported nearly 130 medal winners found their medals rusted, chipped, and some parts, “falling to pieces”.

Reuters

The medals are mostly bronze, and some are from the Paralympics. They are now being fixed by the Brazilian Mint. 

“We are seeing problems with the covering on between six or seven percent of the medals, and it seems to be due to the difference in temperatures,” Rio Games communications officer Mario Andrada said, referring to possible reasons for the defective medals in an interview with Reuters.

Reuters

Apart from temperature differences, Andrada indicated the athletes themselves are to be blamed too. 

“The common issue is that they were dropped or mishandled and the varnish has come off, and they’ve rusted or gone black in the spot when they were damaged,” said Andrada. “It is completely normal.”