Here’s a look at the 2026 Olympic medals and how they compare to years past
A total of 735 Olympic medals and 411 Paralympic medals will be awarded this winter.
Black News 
Gold, silver and bronze medals are a tradition that began at the St. Louis 1904 Olympic Games.
The 2026 medals were crafted by the Italian State Mint, a government-owned company that produces Italian coins, stamps and passports. The medals are made of recycled metals and using renewable energy. Olympic medals are designed by the host city’s committee, typically featuring historical and cultural components specific to that city.
There will be 735 Olympic medals (245 gold, 245 silver, and 245 bronze) and 411 Paralympic medals (137 gold, 137 silver, and 137 bronze) awarded for a total of 1,146 at these Games.
The Milan and Cortino Olympics organizers say the medals of the 2026 Games feature a design that places emotion and teamwork at its core, symbolizing not only the union of two cities, Milano and Cortina, but also the soul of victory and the effort it takes to achieve it.
“This concept becomes a powerful metaphor to portray the story of two worlds coming together, united by the spirit of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games: A world where competition doesn’t divide, but unites.”
Breaking record
American skier Breezy Johnson said “I was jumping in excitement and it broke,” after earning her gold medal in the women’s downhill last week. She warned other medalists “Don’t jump in them.” Several athletes have had the same issue.
Olympic organizing committee spokesperson Luca Casassa said he was aware that there were issues with some medals. He added that a solution has been identified and encouraged athletes with faulty medals to return them for repair.
The medals for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games split into four to allow athletes to share their success with their families. They had issues with them falling apart on the podium as well.
Designer Phillippe Starck said, “Today, more than ever, the truth is that you’re not winning alone, so I wanted this medal to reflect that,”
Taxable items
In 2016, U.S. athletes earning medals were also rewarded by the U.S. Olympic Committee to the tune of $25,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze.
This year U.S. Olympians will be rewarded $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze.
Paralympic games medal winners will receive the same money for medals.
Italy, the host nation, offers about $214,000 for gold, $107,000 for silver and $71,000 for bronze.
Sources: International Olympic Committee, Olympic Studies Centre, NBC
