Paris - Paris 2024 Olympics is poised to redefine the concept of Olympic medals, an Olympic medal adorned with a piece of the Eiffel Tower.

Each gold, silver, and bronze medal to be awarded at the Paris Games and Paralympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, will feature a polished hexagonal chunk of iron extracted from the iconic landmark.

This groundbreaking design was unveiled by Games organizers on Thursday.

Even seasoned athletes like Simone Biles, who boasts seven medals from her previous Olympics, and LeBron James, with two golds and one bronze from London, Beijing, and Athens, have never possessed medals quite like these. In fact, none of the approximately 36,600 medalists from the 29 previous Summer Olympics, dating back to 1896, have ever received such a unique honor. with an innovative and historic design that pays homage to France's cultural heritage.

The decision to embed a piece of the Eiffel Tower into the medals reflects Paris' unwavering commitment to showcasing its rich heritage and cultural identity on the global stage. As athletes strive for excellence on the Olympic stage, they will not only compete for medals but also carry home a unique piece of history, immortalizing their participation in the Games.

The iron pieces, meticulously prepared by stripping off paint, polishing, and varnishing, undergo a transformative process to ensure their brilliance and durability. Stamped with "Paris 2024" and the Games logo, these fragments serve as enduring symbols of the Olympic spirit and the enduring legacy of the Eiffel Tower.

Crafted by the esteemed Paris jewelry house Chaumet, the medals are a testament to exquisite design and craftsmanship. Six small clasps, reminiscent of the tower's rivets, secure the iron pieces within the medals, while crinkled gold, silver, or bronze disks reflect light, creating a dazzling effect.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the Paris 2024 medals carry profound symbolic significance. They represent a fusion of past and present, tradition and innovation, embodying the spirit of the Olympic movement in a truly unique manner.

As athletes compete for Olympic glory, they will have the opportunity to take home a tangible connection to one of the world's most iconic landmarks, forging lasting memories of their participation in the Games.