What’s Inside the Cardboard Box Medalists Receive at the Paris Olympics?

PARIS — As athletes stand on the podium to receive their medals during the Olympic Games, they are also handed a cardboard box. Many have wondered what lies inside.

Jessica Fox, an Australian canoer who has already claimed two gold medals in Paris, unveiled the contents of the box on her TikTok account.

Inside was a poster crafted by French artist Ugo Gattoni.

“Usually, we get mascots or flowers, but this time, it’s a bit more unique. I think it’s a really cool concept,” Fox shared.

The poster Fox revealed is adorned with gold detailing, although the color can vary, reflecting the medal the athlete has won—gold, silver, or bronze.

In an interview with olympics.com in March, Gattoni explained that the poster represents a vibrant “fantasy city” featuring iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. It took him over 2,000 hours in a span of four months to bring this artwork to life.

The intricate poster is filled with symbols associated with the Games, including the Olympic Rings and medals. It also showcases various sports such as breaking, swimming, and diving.

“There are many small details; they’re stories within the stories,” noted Joachim Roncin, the director of design for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Among the numerous details in the poster, Gattoni has cleverly hidden eight Phryges—the official mascots of the Games. These have puzzled many spectators about their nature. The Phryge is inspired by the Phrygian cap, a hat worn by 18th-century French revolutionaries symbolizing freedom.

In addition to the poster, medal-winning athletes also receive a plushie of the Phryge, complete with a gold, silver, or bronze medal emblem sewn onto its belly. However, these plushies are distributed off the podium.

Furthermore, Olympics.com stated that the 515 volunteers at the Games would receive the same set of gifts as the medalists.