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An issue involving Olympic medals breaking apart at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano-Cortina has reportedly been solved.
Officials released a vague statement on an unspecified defect Tuesday. They have assured athletes that the problem will no longer persist as the event continues.
Videos of broken medals began trending on social media this week.
@frigouscigous I just got this olympic gold medal, already broke it
US figure skater Alysa Liu won gold at the team competition on Sunday in Milan. She showed off a broken medal on TikTok after the fact.
She was far from the only one to document the faulty hardware.
Fellow US competitor Breezy Johnson detailed a similar experience after winning gold in the alpine downhill.
“Don’t jump in them,” she said in a press conference. “I was jumping in excitement, and it broke… It’s not crazy broken, but a little broken.”
Olympic medals have been breaking during celebrations.
@deutscherskiverband Are they not meant to be celebrated? 😉 #athletesoftiktok #olympics #biathlon #milanocortina2026
♬ Funny video “Carmen Prelude” Arranging weakness(836530) – yo suzuki(akisai)
“Hey Olympics, what’s up with these medals?” asked the German Ski Team on social media. “Are they not meant to be celebrated?”
To this point, a specific issue has not been made public. Sources believe it has something to do with the clasp that connects the medal to the ribbon.
Organizers did not specify what the problem was. However, a source close to the situation had suggested on Monday that the issue may stem from the medal’s clasp and ribbon, which is fitted with a breakaway mechanism required by law to avoid the risk of strangulation or other injury.
The mishaps prompted action from officials. An investigation was launched, and a solution was determined.
While the organizers still have not stated the actual problem, they ensure that no more Olympic medals will be breaking.
A solution was identified and a targeted intervention was implemented… Milano Cortina 2026 confirms its commitment to ensuring that the medals, which symbolize the highest achievement in every athlete’s career, meet the highest standards of quality and attention to detail.
-Milano Cortina 2026 Communications Director Luca Casassa
Medals that have been affected by the defect are being repaired. A sigh of relief can be taken as celebrations get set to continue at the 2026 Winter Games.