Vancouver 2010 Unveils Olympic Medals
The Vancouver 2010 Organising Committee (VANOC) today unveiled the medals for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Every medal won will be a one-of-a-kind work of art featuring a different crop of larger contemporary Aboriginal artworks and will be undulating rather than flat — both firsts in Games history. The dramatic form of the Vancouver 2010 medals is inspired by the ocean waves, drifting snow and mountainous landscape found in the Games region and throughout Canada. The gold, silver and bronze medals were also designed with direct input from Olympic and Paralympic athletes who shared their experiences about medals they won at past Games and what they would like to see in future medals.
Heroes And Heroines
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge commented, “When we were presented with the Olympic medal design by VANOC a few months ago, we knew they had something special and inspiring to say and share with the world. These medals are a beautiful and fitting tribute to the athletes who will shine and be forever remembered as the heroes and heroines of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. They’ll also call to mind the hospitality and generous spirit of all Canadians who welcomed the world in 2010 whenever they’re viewed.”
The Medals
The Olympic medals are circular in shape, while the Paralympic medals are a superellipse, or squared circle. Both are equal in size. Their significant weight — between 500 grams to 576 g depending on the medal — represents the magnitude of the athlete’s accomplishment. The Olympic medals are 100 millimetres in diameter and about six mm thick, while the Paralympic medals are 95 mm wide and about six mm thick. They are among the heaviest medals in Olympic and Paralympic history.
Vancouver 2010
Vancouver and Whistler will host the XXI Olympic Winter Games from 12 to 28 February 2010 and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from 12 to 21 March 2010. The seven Winter Olympic sports that will be on show in Vancouver are Luge, Skiing, Skating, Ice Hockey, Biathlon, Bobsleigh and Curling.