Winter Olympic Medals Cracking in Athletes’ Hands

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are facing an unexpected and embarrassing crisis as athletes’ hard-won medals are cracking and breaking apart shortly after being awarded.

American downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson was one of the first to experience the flaw, as her medal snapped and separated from its ribbon when she jumped in celebration, leaving her holding the broken pieces.

The issue is widespread, with Germany’s biathlete Justus Strelow finding his bronze medal cracked on the floor and Sweden’s cross-country skier Ebba Andersson’s silver medal breaking in two after it fell in the snow.

Games organizers have launched an official investigation, with the Chief Operations Officer acknowledging the problem and promising “maximum attention” to ensure the medals are perfect, as they represent one of the most important symbols for the athletes.

This manufacturing defect has cast a shadow over the celebratory moments, forcing athletes and officials alike to hope for a swift “Plan B” to replace the fragile awards.