What’s in the mysterious gold box that Olympic medallists get? | World News

We all know the drill. Olympic winners celebrate, get handed their prestigious medals and pose on the podium.

But wait – what’s in that 40cm long cardboard box that they’re being handed?

“I’ve got so much power. I could just not say, couldn’t I,” Team GB silver medallist Adam Burgess joked when Sky News asked him what was in it.

After a chuckle the canoeist revealed that his gold box, like all Paris medallists’ ones, contained artwork.

Specifically, it’s an incredibly detailed, colourful poster depicting the Paris games.

The bird’s eye view shows athletes performing, crowds watching on, statues and countless other details, including a sign reading “XXXIII Olympiade” – a reference to this being the 33rd edition of the games.

It was created by Parisian illustrator Ugo Gattoni, who spent more than 2,000 hours on it over a five-month period.

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Reflecting on how he put it together, Mr Gattoni told Olympics.com: “I immediately had an idea. I came home here to the studio and I already had the stadium in mind on my journey back. I wanted to make a Paris stadium.

“I added buildings, changed the background, put in the shadow. I added the Tahiti wave and included Marseille.

“Then there are all the crowd sketches. At the time it was a bit messy, but I knew I wanted flags to be there, I wanted to put stairs here, and in the end, there you have it!”

It’s the official poster of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, and while it has been available for public purchase for some time, Olympians are given a special edition which has gold, silver or bronze detailing depending on what medal they won.