Paris Olympics 2024 Mystery Box: The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have brought a touch of French flair and tradition to the podium. While Olympic champions are accustomed to receiving medals for their achievements, this year, they also receive something unique and special. Alongside their medals, athletes are handed long, plain cardboard boxes with no markings, leaving many wondering: what’s inside? Is it a bottle of French champagne, a gourmet treat, or something else? Let’s dive into the details and uncover the mystery.
Paris Olympics 2024 Medalist Gift Revealed
According to the Olympic committee, the boxes contain an official poster for the Games. Designed by the talented Parisian illustrator Ugo Gattoni, the poster is a visual feast celebrating Paris’s most iconic landmarks. This includes the Pont Alexandre III, the Eiffel Tower, the Stade de France, and the Arc de Triomphe.
Ugo Gattoni’s illustrations are the result of four months and 2,000 hours of dedicated work. In an interview with the Olympics committee, Mr. Gattoni expressed his intent for the poster to be a rich tapestry of symbols and stories. “I wanted the poster to tell countless things, to be full of symbols. There are many small details, they’re stories within the stories,” he said.
The poster doesn’t just capture famous monuments; it also integrates elements specific to the Paris 2024 Games. It includes references to new sports making their debut, such as skateboarding and breaking, along with nods to the boats featured in the opening ceremony and the official Paris Olympic mascot.
What is Special about the Poster?
The tradition of giving out official posters began with the Stockholm Games in 1912. Each host city has since created unique posters to highlight the distinct elements, symbols, and values of their Games. This tradition continues with Paris 2024, where the poster created by Ugo Gattoni stands out as a testament to the artistic and cultural richness of the city.
The poster serves not only as a memento of the Games but also as a piece of art that captures the essence of Paris. It’s designed to be a lasting reminder of the athlete’s achievements and the vibrant spirit of the Olympic Games in Paris.
Additional Gifts for Medalists
Once the podium ceremony concludes, athletes are also given another special item: a plush mascot corresponding to the medal they’ve won. Gold, silver, or bronze mascots are awarded based on the medal color. These mascots are designed to resemble the Phrygian cap, known as the “Phryge,” which is the official mascot for Paris 2024.
The mascots are crafted in France and feature a medal-colored emblem sewn onto their front, symbolizing the athlete’s achievement. On the back of each mascot is the word “Bravo,” celebrating the athlete’s success and their contribution to the Games.
Both the poster and the mascot represent more than just keepsakes. They embody the spirit of the Paris 2024 Olympics and the rich cultural heritage of the host city. The poster by Ugo Gattoni is not merely a piece of paper but a work of art that tells a story of Paris and the Games. Each detail is a tribute to the city’s landmarks, the new sports, and the overall celebration of the Olympics.
The plush mascots, meanwhile, serve as a tangible reminder of the athlete’s accomplishments. They are designed to be cherished keepsakes that athletes can hold onto long after the Games are over. The use of the Phrygian cap as the mascot is a nod to the historical and cultural significance of the cap, symbolizing freedom and the spirit of the French Revolution.
FAQs
What is inside the boxes given to Paris Olympic medalists?
The boxes contain an official poster for the Games, designed by Parisian illustrator Ugo Gattoni.
Who created the Paris Olympics poster?
The poster was created by Parisian illustrator Ugo Gattoni.
How long did it take to create the Paris Olympics poster?
Ugo Gattoni spent four months and 2,000 hours creating the poster.