Might have been cool to somehow put some of the old Hayward Field wood as part of the medal
Here is an explanation as to what they represent and are designed after.
The medals depart from the traditional die-cast variety, using instead the ultra-modern and durable material of Corian, which has been subsequently inlaid with the relevant precious metal. The use of Corian enables the finely detailed carving of intricate relief work featured in the designs - something just not possible using conventional medal techniques.
While traditional in shape and weight, the medals will look very different, even down to the attachment of the ribbon, which uses a bar inserted inside the body of the medal to ensure both longevity and the maintenance of clean design lines.
One side of the medals is inspired by the cross-section of a tree, complete with seven rings to represent the seven regions of Oregon with the logo of WCH Oregon22 at its heart. The tactile experience is completed by the outer edge of each medal, which is textured to feel like tree bark.
The other side features one of seven landscapes that showcase the seven regions of Oregon. These dramatic scenes carry echoes of the marble sculptures and white Art Deco facades of the great public buildings in the United States, including Oregon’s State Capitol. These landscape elements are fundamental to WCH Oregon22's brand as represented through its Oregon Tapestry. The tapestry is also showcased on the ribbon, juxtaposing a rich color palette to the immaculate, striking form of the medal.
All seven regions are represented across each color of medal - so if an athlete wins multiple medals, each one can feature a different Oregon relief. This innovation of making different medals was made for two reasons. First, to infuse each award with a sense of individuality and pricelessness - essentially, to heighten each medal moment with an opportunity for surprise and delight as the athlete discovers the distinct scene represented on their medal. Second, to highlight the beauty of the entirety of the State of Oregon, from its mountains and rivers to its coastline and forests.
Rojo, I'm glad you didn't write that mindless drivel. When architects get their black turtlenecks that's exactly what to expect from them. The Onion couldn't have done it better. Bravo!
When they say they couldn't have issued those designs without incorporating the new material, I'm not so sure. If you look at the Doha 2019 medals there's a level of intricacy there. I would've preferred a simplified version of the medals but solely made of metal. The ribbons are nice and the way they are placed into the medal is great too. It's just the whiteness of the material that's the issue - nothing else. If they'd done that part of the medals in a muted brown or shade that didn't contrast so harshly it probably would've looked good. Even black would've worked better.
Also not sure about how I feel about the concept of there being different designs for the same medal - seven for gold and so on. I think there should be one design for gold, one design for silver and one design for bronze. But I'm not a medal designer. Who knows - in time maybe they will become very popular and looked back on with love.
When the logo for London 2012 came out people HATED it. It was slated. Looking at the medals now, I actually really like them. It's of the time.
There is unfortunately something about white plastic that just doesn't work with medals. It's like if they had pink melamine on them. It might be perfect elsewhere but it just doesn't work in that one particular place.
I kind of like them. These are top athletes who already have many hundreds of medals already. Most of them are probably very traditional looking. Might be a nice change to get something with a different look & feel.
They are ugly AF. Tacky looking, look like plastic toys or something. Every medal I ever won looked way better than these. The designers ought to be embarrassed and the people who approved these medals ought to be replaced.
I wonder how important the actual medal is to those who win them. We’ve all read stories about Olympic medalists who think their medal is in the sock drawer or under the bed somewhere. Remember the age group medal you won at the Turkey Trot in ‘98? Where is it now? Maybe the best of the best think of their medals the way we think of ours - the title won being more important than the medal it represents.
It's hilarious that there are some posters defending these medals when they are clearly god-awful. Leave it up to letsrunners to go out of their way for contrarion "hot takes".
These are hideous. For the youngsters out there I will note that Corian was a popular kitchen countertop material before granite came into vogue. Why are these medals made of Corian? Are they recycled from old kitchen countertops? And that statement about the intricate design is completely ridiculous. This design is not intricate at all, and I am sure we can all think of many examples of more intricate designs carved into metal! So, wtf? I am embarrassed for our country to host the World Championships and give out these plastic medallions.
Might have been cool to somehow put some of the old Hayward Field wood as part of the medal
Here is an explanation as to what they represent and are designed after.
The medals depart from the traditional die-cast variety, using instead the ultra-modern and durable material of Corian, which has been subsequently inlaid with the relevant precious metal. The use of Corian enables the finely detailed carving of intricate relief work featured in the designs - something just not possible using conventional medal techniques.
While traditional in shape and weight, the medals will look very different, even down to the attachment of the ribbon, which uses a bar inserted inside the body of the medal to ensure both longevity and the maintenance of clean design lines.
One side of the medals is inspired by the cross-section of a tree, complete with seven rings to represent the seven regions of Oregon with the logo of WCH Oregon22 at its heart. The tactile experience is completed by the outer edge of each medal, which is textured to feel like tree bark.
The other side features one of seven landscapes that showcase the seven regions of Oregon. These dramatic scenes carry echoes of the marble sculptures and white Art Deco facades of the great public buildings in the United States, including Oregon’s State Capitol. These landscape elements are fundamental to WCH Oregon22's brand as represented through its Oregon Tapestry. The tapestry is also showcased on the ribbon, juxtaposing a rich color palette to the immaculate, striking form of the medal.
All seven regions are represented across each color of medal - so if an athlete wins multiple medals, each one can feature a different Oregon relief. This innovation of making different medals was made for two reasons. First, to infuse each award with a sense of individuality and pricelessness - essentially, to heighten each medal moment with an opportunity for surprise and delight as the athlete discovers the distinct scene represented on their medal. Second, to highlight the beauty of the entirety of the State of Oregon, from its mountains and rivers to its coastline and forests.
Is this a joke? ...using instead the ultra-modern and durable material of Corian, LoL
Corian was an "ultra modern" kitchen counter in the 80's! that everyone laughs at now. And why do we need durable material for medals? Don't most of them just hang on a wall or sit in a shoe box? Not like we're tossing them around with friends on a baseball field.
Nike has done a great job with the medals and has expanded it's many media affiliates to extend opportunities to Black and student journalists. Please enjoy #Oregon22.