The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (February 6–22, 2026) officially commenced this week. As the world's attention turns to the podium during these moments of triumph, the brilliant gold color of the medals inevitably sparks widespread curiosity: Are Olympic gold medals actually made of solid gold? Why is gold the chosen material? What intricate details and thoughtful designs lie behind these symbols of peak athletic achievement?
Was the Olympic "Gold Medal" Ever Pure Gold? It may come as a surprise, but modern Olympic gold medals were indeed made of pure gold in the past. Champions at the 1904 St. Louis Summer Olympics, the 1908 London Summer Olympics, and the 1912 Stockholm Summer Olympics all received "pure gold" medals. However, as costs and gold prices evolved, subsequent Games gradually transitioned to a "gold-plated" approach. This shift preserved the symbolic value of gold while making medal production more sustainable and scalable. Under current regulations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) mandates specific material standards: gold medals are typically plated with approximately 6 grams of pure gold. This ensures the visible representation of the highest honor remains consistent and can be maintained globally.
Do Olympic Medals Tell a City's Story? With material specifications largely standardized, the design of the medals often serves to differentiate each Olympiad by narrating the host city's unique story. For the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, each medal features a hexagonal piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower (sourced from metal replaced during renovations), allowing medalists to "take a piece of the Eiffel Tower" home. The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics medals drew inspiration from ancient Chinese jade "bi" artifacts, incorporating a jade ring on the reverse side to showcase Eastern aesthetics through a "metal and jade" combination. What unique concept, then, does the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal present?
What are the Highlights of the Milano Cortina 2026 Medals? The medals for Milano Cortina 2026 feature a "two-halves-joined/divided-down-the-middle" structure. One half is smooth, while the other is textured, fitting together like a puzzle. The two halves are connected by the Olympic rings or the Paralympic symbol, representing both the athlete's pinnacle moment and the collective achievement of all participants. Notably, these Winter Games medals are meticulously crafted by the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS) using recycled metals. They will be cast in induction furnaces powered entirely by renewable energy and come in packaging made from FSC-certified materials, minimizing plastic use. Additionally, Paralympic medals include Braille and edge markings to help visually impaired athletes identify the sport and medal type by touch.
Why is "Gold" the Symbol of the Highest Honor? The association of "gold" with first place is not accidental but the result of a long convergence of historical, economic, and cultural factors. Gold has long been universally recognized as a fundamental measure of value. When modern sports systems emerged in the late 19th century, the gold standard was prevalent; gold was not only precious but also embodied a globally unified consensus on value. It was natural, therefore, for athletic competitions to adopt "gold" as the symbol of supreme honor. Furthermore, gold possesses inherent advantages: it is stable, non-corrosive, easily standardized, and can be passed down through generations. In contrast, wreaths wither, and gemstones are difficult to evaluate consistently. The gold-silver-bronze hierarchy is intuitive, uniform, and easily communicated, making it a universal standard for international competitions. Ultimately, the "gold" in an Olympic gold medal transcends the material itself. It symbolizes the ultimate striving for "Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together," with its brilliance reflecting the radiant light of every athlete pursuing their dreams.