There's B.C. metal in those 2010 medals
Vancouver-based Teck Resources was the exclusive supplier of metal used in production of more than 1,000 Games medals. At right, a close-up view shows Braille on a gold medal to be awarded during the Paralympic Winter Games, March 12-21.
They’re wavy and shiny and unlike any Olympic medals in the history of the Games, but there’s probably a lot more you don’t know about the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic medals:
At about half a kilogram each, the 2010 medals are among the heaviest in Olympic Games history. However, don’t worry about them snapping the ribbons. The ribbons can withstand 90 kilograms – equal to 200 pounds.
Vancouver-based Teck Resources Limited was the exclusive supplier of metals used in the production of more than 1,000 medals for the Games.
Some of the 2.05 kilograms of gold, 1,950 kg of silver and 903 kg of copper was sourced right here in B.C.
And they’re green! In addition to the B.C. metal, the medals contain metal recovered from end-of-life electronics, such TVs, computers and keyboards.
The medals are based on two works of art (an orca and a raven) by Corrine Hunt, a B.C.-born artist who beat out dozens of others for the right to design the awards.
No two of the 615 Olympic and 399 Paralympic medals will be exactly alike. Each medal will have a signature element from the orca and raven artwork, such as the orca's eye or the raven's wing.
They were designed with input from the athletes themselves and are produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. VANOC was responsible for the design and all other elements.
Each of the medals was struck nine times — in three sets of triple strikes — to achieve their unique undulating design. They have been tested in temperatures up to -20 degrees Celsius for their ability to maintain integrity and durability in cold weather.
The reverse side of each medal features the name of the Games in English and French, as well as the Vancouver 2010 logo and the name of the sport for which the medal was issued. The Paralympic medals are inscribed with Braille.
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| Like the competitors themselves, no two medals are alike. At right, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell at the unveiling of the medals last October. |
