IOC Faces Backlash Over Bank of America Logo on Olympic Marathon Medals
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In a story that will sound familiar to followers of the Boston Marathon, podium finishers of the 2024 Olympic Marathon are complaining to organizers about their medals, which include a small logo for Bank of America.
Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola won the men’s marathon, which took place Saturday; Belgium’s Bashir Abdi of Belgium finished second, with Kenya’s Benson Kipruto taking the bronze.
Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won the women’s marathon, on Sunday, followed by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in second place and Kenya’s Hellen Obiri in third.
Each was ecstatic upon receiving their medals, and then puzzled.
“What the hell?” Hassan was seen mouthing, as she examined her Gold medal.
“What is Bank America [sic]?” asked Abdi, the men’s Silver medal winner.
Earlier this year, organizers of the Boston Marathon faced similar criticism from runners who found the Bank of America logo on their own finisher medals distasteful.
For their part, the IOC defended the inclusion of the logo, which they described as “very subtle.” Officials declined to comment further, and did not respond when asked who made the decision to put a corporate logo on the medals, or why.
Reached for comment, a Bank of America spokesperson told Dumb Runner that the company was “privileged to honor Olympic athletes and their remarkable achievements,” adding that it is equally proud to offer Gold medal service to each and every one of its customers as they help them reach the finish line of financial success.
