Kitadai

Felipe Kitadai One  of the judo medallists at London 2012 has been given a replacement medal after he managed to break his bronze within 24 hours of being awarded it.

Felipe Kitadai was so proud of coming third in the men’s 60kg judo competition on Saturday that he couldn’t bear to be parted from his medal, taking it literally everywhere with him – even keeping it on as he went for a shower the morning after his event.

And that’s where disaster struck: in an attempt to avoid getting it wet, he decided to take it off briefly while he washed… but as he tried to put it to one side he promptly dropped it on the floor. The medal broke as it hit the bathroom floor, denting it on the side and snapping the loop that holds the ribbon on.

A red-faced Kitadai asked the Brazilian Olympic Committee if they could request a new one on his behalf, as naturally enough he wants to be able to wear it around his neck.

Thankfully, his request met with a kindly response. The International Olympic Committee, in a rare move of humanity, saw the funny side and have approved his request – though we’re not quite so sure they would have done had he won silver or gold. The bronze medals, made mostly of copper, are only worth £3, while silver is worth £210 and gold £410.