What's in the box at the Olympics? Explaining mysterious gold package given to Paris medalists

The organizers of the Paris Olympics are feeling generous this summer.

When athletes stand on the podium awaiting receiving their medals, officials also hand them a mysterious gold box.

The narrow box, which is around 16 inches long, has left many fans around the world curious as to what's inside. Could it be a case for the medal, or perhaps 2024 Paris Olympics swag?

The Sporting News answers that question and more below.

2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
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What's in the box at the Olympics?

The box includes the official poster of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ugo Gattoni designed the artwork, which was revealed in March 2024.

The poster features some of Paris' biggest attractions while also including some Olympic touch. The Eiffel Tower, Seine River and Olympic medals are all within the masterpiece.

Gattoni said it took about four months and 2,000 hours to complete the poster, according to an interview on the official Olympics website . He created the entire piece by hand.

"I immediately had an idea," Gattoni said after meeting with Joachim Roncin, director of design at Paris 2024. "I came home here to the studio and I already had the stadium in mind on my journey back. I wanted to make a Paris stadium. I had even already made a first sketch."

While the golden box is a new addition to the podium, posters have been around since the early 20th century, according to Olympics.com .

What is the Olympics mascot plush?

Every winning athlete also gets an Olympic mascot plush to match their medal. But that occurs after the medal ceremony, not on stage.

Each plush Phryge has an emblem of gold, silver or bronze, corresponding to the athlete's medal.