The Paris Olympics were supposed to be a celebration of athletic excellence, but now they’re making headlines for a different reason: the medals are falling apart. Designed by Chaumet, a high-end jewelry brand owned by luxury giant LVMH, the gold, silver, and bronze medals were meant to be lasting symbols of achievement. Instead, they’re tarnishing and flaking, leaving athletes frustrated and LVMH under scrutiny. Over 100 athletes have reportedly requested replacements for their deteriorating medals. French swimmers Clement Secchi and Yohann Ndoye-Brouard recently shared photos of their flaking medals on social media, with Secchi quipping that they looked like “crocodile skin.” U.S. fencer Nick Itkin also noticed his bronze medal starting to degrade just days after the Games. “It got more noticeable after a few weeks,” he said, adding that he plans to ask for a new one. LVMH, the French luxury conglomerate behind brands like Louis Vuitton and Moët & Chandon, was a major sponsor of the Paris Olympics. The company’s influence was everywhere, from the champagne served in VIP lounges to the outfits worn by French athletes. But its most visible contribution—the medals—has turned into a PR headache. Despite the growing complaints, LVMH has remained silent, refusing to comment on the issue. The situation has left many wondering how such a prestigious brand could produce medals that don’t stand the test of time. For now, athletes are left with crumbling reminders of their Olympic achievements, and LVMH’s reputation is taking a hit. Will the luxury giant step up to address the problem, or will the tarnished medals remain a lasting legacy of the Paris Games? Only time will tell. ---