Milano Cortina Winter Olympics organizers say they’ve resolved a defect that’s causing medals to become damaged shortly after being awarded. It comes amid a wave of backlash and ridicule over trophies cracking and splitting in two during athletes’ celebrations. An investigation concluded on Monday that the fault lay with the ribbon cord, which includes a legally required breakaway safety feature intended to prevent choking if the medal is pulled. Officials confirmed they will also restore any medals presented during the first three days of events. The issue first popped up over the weekend after American downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson reported her gold medal had detached as she celebrated. Similar incidents were later described by Sweden’s Ebba Andersson, who said her medal “fell in the snow and broke in two,” while U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu posted online that her team gold ribbon came loose. Organizers did not provide a total number of affected medals but said all awards are now being inspected as a precaution. “Following reports of issues affecting a small number of medals, the organizing committee immediately reviewed the matter,” spokesman Luca Cassasa said, adding that “a targeted fix has been put in place.”
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