At the 2024 Paris Olympics, athletes are receiving more than just medals as tokens of their achievements. For winners like Carlos Yulo from the Philippines, who clinched gold twice, the podium ceremony includes a unique gift: a slim gold box. But what exactly is inside this special box?
According to the official Olympics website, the box, approximately 40 centimeters in size, contains the event’s official poster. Designed by Ugo Gattoni, the poster is a vibrant representation of the Paris 2024 Games, showcasing the Paris 2024 logo, the Eiffel Tower adorned with a “XXXIII Olympiade” sign, and illustrations of various venues used throughout the Games. Gattoni dedicated nearly 2,000 hours to creating these colorful posters, capturing the spirit and essence of the event.
Australian gold medalist Jessica Fox provided a closer look at the contents of the box on TikTok. Her video revealed that the box features a transparent window through which the poster can be viewed. A label adjacent to this window reads, “Athlete Edition – Olympic Games Paris 2024 Official Poster.” Fox commented on the uniqueness of the gift, noting that it diverges from the typical flowers or mascots often awarded, and praised the concept as “really cool.”
The poster itself is adorned with distinctive details reflecting the recipient’s medal. For instance, Fox’s poster prominently displays the Paris 2024 logo in gold, symbolizing her gold medal status. The design variations ensure that each athlete’s poster is a personalized keepsake of their Olympic triumph.
In addition to the poster, podium finishers received a plush Olympic Phryge, which is a representation of the Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom and victory. These plush Phryges come with either gold, silver, or bronze medals, depending on the athlete’s standing. Manufactured by the Doudou & Compagnie factory in La Guerche-de-Bretagne, these stuffed mascots add a touch of whimsy and charm to the awards package.
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The medals themselves are a notable highlight of the Paris Games. Designed by the French jewelry house Chaumet, the medals are imbued with a piece of French history. Each medal contains fragments of iron from the Eiffel Tower, which were removed during recent renovations. The iron is shaped into a hexagon and set against a backdrop of fine lines. On the reverse side, the medal features an intricate carving of Athena Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, alongside the Panathenaic stadium and the Eiffel Tower.
For the Paralympic Games, Chaumet created a medal design that offers a graphic perspective of the Eiffel Tower. These medals include the words “Paris” and “2024” etched in Braille, ensuring inclusivity and recognition for all athletes.
Carlos Yulo’s exceptional achievements at the Paris Olympics will also be recognized with several prestigious rewards upon his return to the Philippines. He will receive a fully-furnished condominium unit in McKinley Hill and PHP 3 million from Megaworld. Additionally, the government will honor him with PHP 10 million and an Olympic Gold Medal of Valor in accordance with Republic Act 10699. Furthermore, Yulo will be awarded PHP 6 million in cash incentives from the House of Representatives, celebrating his remarkable accomplishments on the global stage.
In summary, the box given to medal winners at the Paris Olympics contains more than just a medal. It holds a beautifully designed poster and a plush mascot, with each component reflecting the grandeur of the Games. The medals themselves, embedded with fragments of the Eiffel Tower, symbolize a unique connection to Paris, making these awards not only prestigious but also historically significant.
