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Medal Design
    The medals are designed in the shape of river rocks like those found in the spectacular streams and rivers of Utah, and they embody the spirit of the American West - from the forging of the West to the technological present.

• Medal Front: An athlete emerges from a background of flame, rock or ice, symbolizing a mastery of the elements. The image of fire and the words "Light the Fire Within" celebrate the athlete's passion to compete and their ability to inspire greatness in us all. The Olympic Rings at the base of the medal and the Roman numeral XIX at the base of the ribbon loop complete the medal design.

   

• Medal Back: Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, is in full stride and holds a small victory leaf, symbolizing the olive wreaths presented to winners during ancient Olympic Games. Within Nike's embrace is an illustration of one of 16 different venues where the medal was won. In addition, each medal carries an engraving specific to one of 78 specific events. These features make these the most customized medals ever created. O.C. Tanner's revolutionary manufacturing process makes each victory medal slightly unique - like individual rocks sculpted by water and wind. Each is a piece of art.
  Quick Facts:
• Number of medals produced:
  • Gold: 239
  • Silver: 239
  • Bronze: 239
  • Total: 717 (with archive copies = 861)
  • Actually awarded: 477 (extras made for ties returned to IOC)
  • Paralympic: 576
  • Grand Total: 1,437
  • Commemorative: 30,000 (for volunteers, officials, etc.)
  • Participation: 5,520 (every participating athlete)

  Victory medal specifications:
   

  • Gold:
    • Weight: 1.893 lbs (finished 1.25 lbs)
    • Grams of gold: 6 grams
    • Thickness: 0.47 inches
    • Height: 4 inches
    • Width: 3.25 inches
    • Base: 92.5% silver 7.5% copper
       
  • Silver:
    • Weight: 1.879 lbs (finished 1.25 lbs)
    • Thickness: 0.47 inches
    • Height: 4 inches
    • Width: 3.25 inches
    • Base: 92.5% silver 7.5% copper
       
  • Bronze:
     
    • Weight: 1.590 lbs (finished 1 lb)
       
    • Thickness: 0.47 inches
       
    • Height: 4 inches
       
    • Width: 3.25 inches
       
    • Base: 90% copper 10% zinc

  Processes required to create each medal: 15

  Tons of pressure required to transfer the medal design into the precious metal: 1,000 tons (More than five times the weight of the Statue of Liberty.)

  Number of hours medal makers invested to develop the medal-making process: 2,175

  Hours of handcrafting required to create each medal:
   

  • Gold: 19.65 hours
     
  • Silver: 18.30 hours
     
  • Bronze: 18.45 hours