First Glimpse Of Commonwealth Medals

14 April 2014, 17:30 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The medals that 4,500 athletes will compete for at Glasgow's Commonwealth Games have been unveiled.

The big reveal's been done at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to mark 100 days to go until the start of the Games.

The unique awards are silver gilt (for the gold) silver and bronze - the traditional make-up of medals at Commonwealth and Olympic events, and weigh in at 100g each.

They have been designed by internationally renowned jeweller and maker Jonathan Boyd, who worked with a team of eleven specialist jeweller-makers at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art. He 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."

The medals were revealed at a special event which also recreated the medal procession ceremony, showing the ceremonial outfits to be worn by the male and female medal bearers, the trays the medals will be placed on and specially created gifts which will be given to the winning athletes.

The creative team behind the medal ceremonies also includes Paul Hodgkiss, designer of the wooden podiums, trays and gifts and fashion designer Kerry Nixon, who designed the dresses worn by the female medal bearers and styled the male medal bearers with the support of Harris Tweed.

The design team has drawn inspiration from many elements of Scotland, including the Isle of Harris and the parks of Glasgow.

Former Commonwealth Gold Medallist and TV presenter Iwan Thomas hosted the event which also featured Scotland's most decorated athlete, Allan Wells MBE, and aspiring future athletics star Joseph Amouzou, 18, who attends The Glasgow School of Sport. Joseph is the reigning Under 20 Indoor Triple Jump champion and hopes to compete in future Commonwealth Games.

Chairman of Glasgow 2014, Lord Smith of Kelvin, who spoke at the ceremony, said: "These medals are the coveted prize that all the athletes coming to compete at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have in their sights - the ultimate reward for all those years of toil, training and dedication.  Our medals are unlike any I have seen before and are a unique representation of the stunning, contemporary vision of Scotland that will be beamed around the world.  With just 100 days to go until the Opening Ceremony, the stage is now well and truly set for an outstanding Commonwealth Games."

Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: "It is fantastic to see the medals for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games revealed.  They look absolutely stunning and I'm sure that all the athletes, who have worked so hard to get here and compete, will be honoured to receive one of these medals.  

"We are celebrating 100 days to go today before we are host to the largest sporting and cultural event ever seen in Scotland.  The final pieces are all coming together as we get ready to deliver the best Games ever and to showcase Scotland on a global stage."