Medals unveiled ahead of 2018 Winter Olympics

In a rite that traditionally signals the Olympics are drawing near, organizers of the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, have unveiled the medals they will present on the podium in February.

The design highlights the host country’s culture in two ways.

Hangeul, a Korean alphabet, has been engraved on each piece, with a series of consonants emphasizing the effort that athletes display. A local textile called Gapsa was used for the ribbons.

“The medals are a wonderful compilation of our culture, tradition and the Olympic values,� said Lee Hee-beom, president of the organizing committee. “We wanted the medal to be a symbol of Korea and all the wonderful memories that the athletes will take home from their time here.�

Lee Suk-woo, an industrial designer selected for the job, said: “I have worked on many projects over my career, but this is particularly special.�

Tensions between North and South Korea and the U.S. have cast a shadow over the upcoming competition, but Olympic officials have vowed to proceed as planned.

The Olympic flame will be lit in Greece at the end of next month and will begin its trek to the host city.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 9.

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