Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games medals created entirely from recycled consumer devices have been unveiled in the Japanese capital. The medals, which are designed to resemble polished stones, are the first sustainable medals in Olympic history according to organisers.
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The design of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games medals reflects the concept that in order to achieve glory, athletes have to strive for victory on a daily basis. The medals resemble rough stones that have been polished and which now shine, with “light” and “brilliance” their overall themes. The medals collect and reflect myriad patterns of light, symbolising the energy of the athletes and those who support them; their design is intended to symbolise diversity and represent a world where people who compete in sports and work hard are honoured. The brilliance of the medals’ reflections signifies the warm glow of friendship depicted by people all over the world holding hands.
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
• About 32 kg of gold were extracted from 6,2 million used mobile phones donated over two years by the Japanese public.
• They also recovered 3,5 tonnes of silver and 2,2 tonnes of bronze to make 5,000 Olympic and Paralympic medals.
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
In order to come up with a range of designs from which to choose, Tokyo 2020 held a competition open to professional designers and design students which attracted more than 400 entries.
International Olympic Committee regulations stipulate that obverse medal design should include the following elements:
• Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, in front of the Panathinaikos Stadium
• The official name of the respective Games, in this case Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020
• The Olympic five rings symbol
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Gold Medal Design
Obverse / Reverse
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Silver Medal
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Bronze Medal
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: Medal Specifications
Medal designer – Mr. Junichi Kawanishi
Representative, designer, SIGNSPLAN
Director, Japan Sign Design Association
Director, USD-O (Osaka Design Society)
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Design of the Victory Medal Ribbon
The ribbon will employ the traditional Japanese design motifs found in ichimatsu moyo (harmonised chequered patterns) and kasane no irome (traditional kimono layering techniques) in a modern presentation. The ribbon is designed to be a reflection of Japan itself and of the way the country demonstrates “Unity in Diversity”. The design also promotes the Tokyo 2020 brand vision of “Innovation from Harmony”.
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Silicone convex lines are applied on the surface of the ribbon so that anyone can recognise the type of medal (gold, silver or bronze) by simply touching it. Chemically recycled polyester fibres that produce less CO2 during their manufacturing process are used; these allow the ribbons to incorporate the Tokyo 2020 core graphic colours and to be extremely durable at the same time.
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Medal Case Design
The design of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games medal case is inspired by the Tokyo 2020 Games emblem. Each case pays tribute to the Olympians who have reached the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Japanese craftsmen will carefully create the cases with a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Like each individual Olympian who steps onto the field of play, each medal case is distinct and has its own wood fibre pattern subtly infused into the design.
Photo: © Tokyo 2020 / The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The 2020 Summer Olympics officially known as Tokyo 2020, is an upcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, with preliminary events in some sports beginning on 22 July.
© Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games / Tokyo 2020
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