Glasgow 2014 Medals Revealed With 100 Days To Go

The medals that athletes will compete for at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have been unveiled, with the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals displayed for the first time to mark 100 days to the Games’ opening ceremony on 23rd July.

Speaking at the event at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery, organisers revealed that more than 1,380 medals would be awarded at 261 medal ceremonies during the Games.

Each of the medals, designed by Glasgow-based artist and lecturer Jonathan Boyd, weighs 100g and is being hand-made by expert jewellers at the Glasgow School of Art. 

Mr Boyd, who lectures at the Glasgow School of Art, said: ‘It’s a real honour to have been invited to design the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medals. As someone who is extremely proud to live in the city of Glasgow and an avid sports fan, I am thrilled to be given this opportunity. I hope I have designed something that stands proud as an interesting and unique object but, more importantly, something that celebrates each athlete’s individual achievement.’

As well as the medals being unveiled to the public, the event also recreated the medal procession ceremony to be used in the Games, showing the ceremonial outfits to be worn by the male and female medal bearers.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth organisers have confirmed they have cancelled plans to blow-up Glasgow’s Red Row flats as a live part of the opening ceremony, following public backlash but still insisted that the Games were on track.

David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014 commented: ‘The decision to feature the live demolition of five Red Road blocks within the Opening Ceremony was planned both as commemoration of a part of Glasgow’s social history as well as a statement of the city’s regeneration.’ 

‘We made it clear from the outset the absolute priority was safety and that this event would only happen during the Opening Ceremony if it was safe to do so.’

‘Over the past few days it has become clear that opinions have been expressed which change the safety and security context. Glasgow 2014, Games Partners and key stakeholders, including Police Scotland and Glasgow Housing Association, are not prepared to allow what was proposed to be a positive act of commemoration to create risk for all concerned, including the communities of north east Glasgow.’