NEW BLING ALERT: The World Games 2022 officially unveils medals

While athletes around the world prepare to “go for the gold” this summer, The World Games 2022 team has been preparing on the backend, including unveiling the medal designs for the 2022 Games. We broke it down into why these are some of next season’s hottest accessories.

It’s time to step up

All eyes were on The World Games 2022 officials Wednesday, February 23 as the team, along with Mayor Woodfin, as they unveiled the gold, silver and bronze medals for this year’s Games.

Similar to that of an actual medal presentation, three athletes stood atop the podium to model this year’s bling—something every athlete dreams of wearing. The medals were placed around their necks by the Honorary Life President of the International World Games Association, Ron Froehlich.

However, these individuals have a long resume that includes more than a medal model:

• The gold medal was worn by Jennifer Chandler, a gold-medal Olympian and Alabama native who competed in Springboard Diving in the 1976 Olympics at just 17 years old.
• The silver medal was “awarded” to Mark Everett, a three-time Olympian and world record holder who went on to serve as the head coach of Birmingham Southern’s track and field team.
• The bronze medal went to Bryan Kirkland, an Oneonta native and repeated medalist/member of the USA Paralympic wheelchair rugby teams from 2000-2008.

Before the ceremony, visitors were greeted with a 90-second video from The World Games 2022 team, including a compilation of athletes training and beautiful shots of Birmingham. Check it out here.

Breaking down the medal

The crowd then oohed and ahhed at the shiny objects—all designed in Birmingham from artist Bill Hoffman. These medals feature iconic Birmingham symbols such as Vulcan, Sloss Furnaces and a train—symbolizing Birmingham’s humble beginnings as the Iron City.

We got to visit with Pam Cook, Chief Marketing Officer of The World Games 2022 at the medal unveiling where she said,

“Today, this day, we unveil gold, silver and bronze medals that all the athletes will be competing for in July. Today has been incredible. These medals are incredible. It’s our time to step up. It’s our turn to step up, It’s our moment to step up. We’ll see you in July.”

-Pam Cook, The World Games 2022, Chief Marketing Officer

ICYMI—Bham Now is now the official media partner of The Games

We were just named the official media partner of The World Games 2022, so that means we’ll be sharing content leading up to The Games and beyond! We’ll also be getting ready to become the ultimate hosts this summer as we prepare guides to the best eats, drinks and fun around Birmingham.

If you’re looking to see more content about The World Games 2022, be sure to follow along on our Instagram! The countdown is officially on.