Russia unveils Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic medals

St. Petersburg: Russia unveiled the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics medals, opting for a two-colour design evoking the imagery of the jagged Caucasus mountain range.

Nearly 1,300 medals are being produced for Russia`s first Winter Games, which run Feb 7-23.

"I`m sure these great awards have already gone down in history and will find their heroes," organising committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Thursday.

"I`m sure they will find lots of Russian owners, but I wish all foreign competitors well too."

The gold, silver and bronze medals, weighing 460 grams to 531 grams, have their respective metals act as a border to a greyscale design in the background. The design, he said, reflects the "eternal values of Russia," but also the "innovative approach to the Games."

In total, a record 98 sets of medals, will be up for grabs in 15 sports. The Paralympic medals weigh slightly more and feature Braille embossing.

IANS ----------------------- ZEENEWS.com