Medals
Updated: 2012-05-18 16:54:21
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
 |
|
The London 2012 Olympic Games medals are displayed during a news conference in London July 27, 2011. [Photo/Agencies] |
A total of around 4,700 medals for the Olympic and Paralympic Games are produced by the Royal Mint.
The Olympic medal, designed by British artist David Watkins, weighs 375–400g and is 7mm thick, with the sport and discipline engraved on the rim.
The medals' circular form is a metaphor for the world. The front of the medal always depicts the same imagery at the summer Games - the Greek Goddess of Victory, Nike, stepping out of the depiction of the Parthenon to arrive in the host city.
On the reverse of the medals, the dished background suggests a bowl similar to the design of an amphitheatre.
The core emblem is an architectural expression, a metaphor for the modern city, or as a geological metaphor as a tough crystalline growth which is deliberately jewel like.
The grid brings both a pulling together and sense of outreach on the design - an image of radiating energy that represents the athletes' achievements and effort.
The River Thames is a symbol for London and also suggests a fluttering baroque ribbon and adds a sense of celebration.
The square is the final balancing motif of the design, opposing the overall circularity of the design and emphasizing its focus on the centre and reinforcing the sense of "place" as in a map inset.
The sport and discipline of the medal-winning athletes will be engraved on the rim of every medal.
The medals were unveiled on July 27, 2011 while hosts London was celebrating the mark of one year to go until the opening ceremony of the 2012 Games.
More than 2,100 Olympic medals will be presented in 302 Olympic victory ceremonies in more than 30 venues over 16 days of competition.
Medal Count |
||||
| 1 |  |
46 | 29 | 29 |
| 2 |  |
38 | 27 | 22 |
| 3 |  |
29 | 17 | 19 |
| 4 |  |
24 | 25 | 33 |
| 5 |  |
13 | 8 | 7 |
| 6 |  |
11 | 19 | 14 |
Most Viewed
Gold medal moments
Age not a problem for Olympic dreams
Olympic moments to remember
Beijing Olympics just keeps on giving
Against the Olympic spirit
Olympic fashion tips
Taking success overseas
Competition Schedule
