Skateboarding star Nyjah Huston took to Instagram to criticize his Paris 2024 bronze medal, alleging it began to chip and lose its color after just a weekend of wear and tear.

In a twist that feels more middle school art project than Olympic accolade, Huston revealed that his hard-earned medal—crafted by the prestigious Paris Mint and Chaumet—started to deteriorate faster than a reality TV relationship. The skateboarder noted that mere exposure to sweat and a few curious friends had turned his prized bronze into the metallic equivalent of a bad spray tan, tarnishing both the medal’s reputation and the notion that Olympic awards are made to last.

Huston's Instagram story featured close-up photographs of the medal, displaying noticeable chipping and discoloration on both the front and back. 'I can't believe this is happening,' Huston lamented. 'After everything we went through to get here, I expected better. At this rate, I might end up with a DIY project instead of a keepsake!'

Designed by the renowned Parisian jewelry house Chaumet and produced by the Paris Mint, the medals were supposed to embody the spirit and elegance of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Weighing in at a solid 525 grams and made from an alloy of copper, tin, and zinc, one might think these tokens would last a bit longer than the ice in your fancy cocktail.

Adding a touch of French flair, each medal is adorned with a hexagonal token crafted from iron salvaged from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Surrounding this piece of history are rigged grooves that evoke rays of light on one side and an intricate depiction of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, along with the Acropolis and the Eiffel Tower on the other side. It's almost like the Eiffel Tower wanted to be part of the action, too!

'I know these medals are supposed to be something you treasure forever, but this feels more like a disposable souvenir,' Huston added. He went on to suggest that perhaps the medals were meant to be displayed in cases rather than worn, cryptically hinting at their fragility and possible 'look, don't touch' design philosophy.

Officially packaged with a dark-blue box from Chaumet and a certificate from the Eiffel Tower Operating Co., the Olympic medals certainly make a great first impression. However, as Huston's experience illustrates, that impression might not stand up to the realities of a normal, medal-winning life.

Responses from fellow athletes were mixed. Some shared Huston's disbelief, while others shrugged it off as 'par for the course' with mass-produced memorabilia. A few whimsically questioned whether French Impressionism had made its uninvited comeback in the field of metallurgy.

While the Paris Mint and Chaumet have yet to release a formal statement, athletes are left to wonder if their medals might slowly turn into a modern art piece, with the beauty lying in its impermanence.

This incident isn't the first time Olympic medals have come under scrutiny for quality issues. Previous games have seen athletes critique the durability and design of their awards, but rarely has the degradation been so vividly documented and quickly publicized. Huston's proactive approach to sharing his disappointment has certainly raised the stakes, leaving manufacturers with some 'heavy metal' soul-searching to do.

As the investigation continues, medalists around the world are likely taking stock of their own awards, perhaps with a little extra care. Who knew that the real endurance test of the Olympics might come after the podium?