FINA contracted Lagranja, a Barcelona-based design firm, to recreate the medals awarded during the 2013 FINA World Championships. (See the “Making Of” video above.)
The inspiration for Lagranja’s design came from swim goggles. The concept is that when worn the medals appear to be suspended in water.
Stepping away from traditional fabric ribbons is a risk. Only the winners, those who will keep the medals for a lifetime, can tell us if the silicone ribbons works for them. Wear and tear will be the issue.
Ribbons from Olympic medals fray and fall apart, depending on the athlete’s care. Will the silicone used by Lagranja stand the test of time? Will we check back in with athletes in the future to find out. Until then, the silicone design will certainly be interesting and telegenic.
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The 2013 FINA World Championships begin July 19th and ends August 4th.
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And, yet, I see a picture of Haley Anderson wearing her nice new hardware…and there’s a ribbon holding the medal. Must’ve changed their minds.
I know! My thoughts exactly!
I forgot to comment on what Mel wrote about moving away from the old style ribbon being a risk. If you look back to the 1960 Olympic Games from Rome, the medals were (for the very first time) actually on a “ribbon”, but this was actually metal leaves. Google a photo to see what I mean. It was quite beautiful. Also, Munich in 1972 and Montreal 1976 put their Olympic medals on chains. It was different but definitely beautiful. I think it really is just a matter of preference. Some of the ribbons from various Olympics and world championships have been beautiful while others have left something to be desired. Either way, I think it is innovative and genius to… Read more »
Hmmmm……..I can’t say…..yet. Mel was right. I’m holding comment until I see them around the athletes neck. They can’t be any worse than those awarded in 2003.
Hold the presses. I just watched the video and my opinion is that I LOVE it. The medals are beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. The silicone “ribbons” add that extra touch to make them stand out. A round of applause for the designers. Well done.
I loved ’03! That is my favorite medal in the whole collection!
Are you Jenny Thompson?
Is Jenny thompson old ? LOL
You mean Dr. Jenny Thompson. ;o)
Yes, as soon as I asked the question I realized Jenny Thompson is not old.
I don’t know why but I immediately assumed the retired old lady is an american, has many large medal collections (“a whole collection”) and retired (from swimming) so Jenny Thompson was the first name that came up to my mind, seeing 2003 barcelona was her last world championships.
I now realized retiredoldlady could be anyone from Sandra Volker, Petra Dallman, Martina Moravcova (who must have among the most medals), etc
Now you have ME wondering who RETIREDOLDLADY is. LOL LOL LOL Does she mean the collection of world championship starting from 1973 onwards or HER collection of world medals. Maybe RETIREDOLDLADY can fill us in.
Awful looking.
I’d like to see them in person… They might work………………might.
I do appreciate trying something new. Will see as they award them…