Olympics

Olympics Organizers Unveil Medals for 2016 Games in Rio

The Paralympic medals feature cascading oval shapes on both sides along with brail lettering on the obverse side

In August, thousands of athletes from around the world will travel to Rio to compete for a coveted medal in the Olympic and Paralympic games. But long before they're placed around athletes' necks, the medals are precisely carved and fitted with a colored ribbon.

The design for the gold, silver and bronze medals for the 2016 games was unveiled Tuesday at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.

The Olympic medals feature the goddess of victory on one face — a tradition in place since 1928, when medals became standardized — with the five interlocking Olympic rings paired with the symbol of the Rio Olympics on the other.

The Paralympic medals feature cascading oval shapes on both sides along with brail lettering on the obverse side. The name of the sport is etched on the side of each medal.

The Olympic games will take place Aug. 5-21 with 204 countries competing in 42 sports.

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