IAAF World Champs London: Bolt’s Farewell Medal Anatomy 🥇

The IAAF World Championships open at London Stadium August 4. Usain Bolt’s final individual race brings global attention to the medals — three deliberate design choices set the IAAF medal apart from Olympic medals.

Lighter Medal, Heavier Ribbon

IAAF medals weigh ~85g — lighter than Olympic medals — but the ribbons are wider and heavier (40mm woven jacquard, ~30g). The balance shifts perceived weight to the neck and shoulder rather than the chest. Athletes report IAAF medals feel "more comfortable" to wear during interviews. For multi-day events where winners wear medals on stage, balance ribbon and medal weight intentionally.

Engraved Event Name on the Edge

IAAF medals have the event name engraved on the rim edge — invisible in face-on photos but visible when held at angle. The discovery detail rewards collectors who turn the medal in hand. For your own custom medals, edge engraving costs ~฿20-40/medal additional and adds collector-grade depth at minimal expense.