The 2010 Vancouver Olympics are three months off, and yesterday we got our first glimpse at the newly designed medals. First impressions? Well, they're different. Very different. So different, in fact, that people aren't quite sure what to make of the look.
(More photos after the jump.)
As Yahoo.com's Chris Chase writes, "The gold medal looks like it belongs in a bowl of potato chips at King Midas's house." But there is an explanation for the unique look.
The medals of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are circular in shape and based on a large master artwork of an orca whale by Corrine Hunt, a Canadian designer/artist of Komoyue and Tlingit heritage. Each of the medals has a unique hand-cropped section of the abstract art, making every medal one-of-a-kind. ...That clears up a lot, and it's a fantastic idea. I'm just not sure about the execution. Then again, nobody cares what I think; there's a better chance the IOC retroactively gives Chicago the 2016 Olympics than there is of me ever winning a medal.
The medals ... each feature a different crop of larger contemporary Aboriginal artworks and are undulating rather than flat - both firsts in Games history.
So whether it looks like the traditional oversized coin or Pringles, it's not really my concern. And let's be honest: if you're lucky enough to win a 2010 Olympic medal, I'm pretty sure you'll be willing to overlook the new design.
Comments (Page 1 of 2)
I think the medals for the 2010 Winter games are so representitive of Winter Sports. As far as I can recall there is only one sport that has straight lines - the one where they are walking on skis over long distances. All the rest have movement, grace, curves, bumps, jumps & speed.
These medals are brilliant as they represent all of the above.
I for one - love them. Beautifully designed.
these are for the canadian olympics, eh.
I agree, Margaret. My first thought was how much they look like the surface of a snow-covered slope...they're perfect for the Winter Games. T think they're very cool!
looks like they are the only survivers of a severe fire or bomb attack. Ugly, yet, interesting.
Actually, I LIKE it !
About time the IOC allowed some change.
steve
Cool
Their waviness reminds me of the flame of the olympic torch, particularly from teh side. I think they are lovely, and enjoyed the story behind them.
I like the 'old'
ones much more than
the new ones. I am
not even competing for
1.
Good feelings,
Cheryl Mason
well they are different. Good or bad is a matter of opinion. Well at least they have to do something to win them. not just be nominated and hope they do something.
Well it looks like the locals have given in to the aboriginal influence or indigenous ones from the artic waste with the Indian input. I'm sure those who receive a medal will little care about their look and should be proud of their accomplishments. Amazing just how much influence a minority can have on any subject or issue. Just check our minority pressure pushers here in the US, Jackson, Rangel, Sharpton, Obama and all those NFL players complaining about Limbaugh; most of whom have longer police rap sheets than half the south side Chicago gangs and ACORN.
What a thoroughly ignorant and racist comment.
You forgot to insult Asians and the rest of the non-white world. Do try harder next time.
I love them :)
They are not as pretty as I won, but change is good!
I think they're unique I hope they are solid gold, not partial gold like some of them foreign countries, IE; as when China did them, cheap commie sodomites!
I don't like them, they are very strange looking. I guess it doesn't matter but what does an Orca Whale have to do with the Winter Olympic Games!!
I think they are as ridiculous as they can be. The traditional design would have been a connection with all the Olympians who have gone before them. Of course, in this new Obamian, leftist age, few if any deserve a connection of what and who precceded them.
How exactly does Obama have anything to do with this??
If you don't know what the lines are on each medal, you're left wondering what's going on? They look warped. I think each medal should be displaying a clear representation of whatever sport it is awarded for.
YA KNOW, IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!
Olympic medals are stuff of tradition. There's nothing offensive, controversial or provocative about the original design.
Just because you can change something doesn't mean you should.
Amen. They don't have to be bent for the lines on them. Honestly to me, they look like a traditional Olympic Medal that's met the unfortunate end of a hammer of some kind. Just my thoughts on the matter.