What's in Those Mysterious Boxes That Olympic Medalists Receive on the Podium?
As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolds, viewers from around the globe witness the emotional moments when athletes ascend the podium to receive their hard-earned medals. With tears of joy and expressions of pride, athletes are not only met with the glistening gold, silver, or bronze medals but also with a mysterious, slender gold-colored box. This box has spurred curiosity among audiences: what precisely lies inside?
A Tradition of Treats: Gifts for Medalists
Throughout Olympic history, it has been customary for medalists to receive various tokens of recognition alongside their medals. These have included traditional gifts like bouquets of flowers, plush toys, and other memorabilia. At the Paris games, this tradition continues but with a fresh twist, igniting intrigue and excitement.
Unveiling the Content: Official Olympic Poster
According to statements from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the enigmatic boxes presented to medalists contain an official poster for the 2024 Olympic Games, expertly designed by French artist Ugo Gattoni. This artistic representation features a stylized rendition of Paris, showcasing its iconic landmarks intertwined with the various Olympic venues. The design process for this poster was no small feat; Gattoni reportedly dedicated an impressive 2,000 hours to its creation.
The poster symbolizes not only the artistic flair of the games but also encapsulates the spirit of the host city. For those eager to take a piece of the Olympics home, the poster will also be available for purchase online and within the heart of Paris, allowing fans and art enthusiasts to celebrate their Olympic journey through this beautifully crafted memento.
A Personal Touch: The Phryge Mascot
In addition to the posters, athletes also receive a delightful gift that reflects the pride and spirit of the Paris 2024 games: a stuffed animal version of the event's whimsical mascot, Phryge. Each Phryge plush is designed with a distinct appearance that makes it an adorable representation of the games. To further personalize these mascots, they feature a medal emblem on the stomach that corresponds to each athlete's achievement — gold, silver, or bronze.
Moreover, the backs of these cuddly mascots bear the encouraging word "bravo," acknowledging the effort and dedication of each medalist. For Paralympic medalists, an additional layer of inclusivity is shown, as their Phryge mascots display "bravo" in Braille, allowing visually impaired athletes to connect with their triumphs in a meaningful way.
A Festival of Celebration
As audiences continue to cheer for their favorite athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the gifts presented to medalists do more than recognize athletic excellence. They symbolize a blend of heritage, local culture, and artistic expression that enriches the Olympic experience. While spectators eagerly anticipate the awards ceremonies, they can now appreciate the thoughtful tokens nestled within the coveted gold boxes.
In summary, the slender gold boxes presented to medalists rise above mere packaging; they contain artistic expressions of the host city and soft tokens of victory, uniting the tradition of Olympic gifting with modern creativity. This small yet significant aspect of the podium celebrations serves as a reminder of the artistry, culture, and emotion interwoven throughout the Olympic spirit — bringing the world together, one medal at a time.