International Olympic Committee

18 January, 2024 – The winner of the medal design competition for the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024, Dante Akira Uwai, was presented with a commemorative set of gold, silver and bronze medals by IOC President Thomas Bach in Gangneung, Republic of Korea.

The IOC President complimented Uwai on his work, which Uwai entered into the competition under the title ‘A Sparkling Future’.

“The medal is wonderful. It translates real Olympic sport and the Olympic Values in an abstract way to the design,” President Bach told Uwai in Gangwon. “I’m really excited about it and I’m sure the athletes will be as excited not only for winning the medal but also for winning such an inspiring and wonderful medal.“

“Receiving this set of medals from the IOC President is such a wonderful moment. I’m honoured, it is a very special moment for me,” said Uwai, whose design had been chosen from 3,000 submissions.

I found out I had won in a moment of doubt and winning this competition was a sign that I must continue my dream as a designer.

– Dante Akira Uwai – Winner of the medal design competition for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024

Inspired by the Gangwon 2024 motto

‘A Sparkling Future’ is a geometric interpretation of the Gangwon 2024 motto ‘grow together, shine forever’. The young architect used vertical lines to convey the concept of growth, while the diverse YOG participants are represented by elements created through cut-outs and texture changes.

A variety of shapes and forms were also used to further depict diversity and how we can all contribute to peaceful coexistence. Finally, the polished finishes created dynamic sparks of light, symbolising a desire to make positive changes in the world – a key message of the Olympic Games themselves.

The polished finishes created dynamic sparks of light, symbolizing a desire to make positive changes in the world – a key message of the Olympic Games itself. The artwork for the reverse emerged from a collaborative workshop hosted by the Gangwon 2024 Organising Committee (YOGOC) in partnership with local art school students.

In honour of his design featuring on the medals awarded to athletes who finish on the podium at the fourth edition of the Winter YOG, Uwai was invited to Gangwon to experience the Games for himself.

The Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 run from January 19 until 1 February.