What is the cardboard box at the Paris Olympics?

Olympic fans have all been left asking the same question as the medal ceremonies take place throughout the Paris Games.

What’s in the box?

What’s in the box?

If you’ve been glued to the couch for the Paris Olympics, you’ve probably noticed all the medallists have been given a skinny rectangular brown box when they step on the podium.

At previous Olympics, athletes have been handed flowers or a fluffy mascot, but this time the medallists are receiving a mysterious box along with their medal.

It turns out inside the box is a rolled up official poster for the Paris Olympics designed by artist Ugo Gattoni.

Measuring around 40 centimetres long, the poster features the Eiffel Tower, depictions of several Olympic events and the words XXXIII Olympiade for the 33rd edition of the Games.

The Olympic poster being handed to medal winners

The posters for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 were presented at the Musée d’Orsay in March. French illustrator Gattoni combined his own unique style with the recommendations of Paris 2024 in the creation of the artworks.

After the medal ceremonies, medal winners also get a Phryge mascot, which is based off a red French hat.

Gold, silver or bronze medals are represented by the medal emblem sewn onto the mascot’s belly, by the colour of the trainers and by the text “Bravo” in French on the back of the Phryge.

Adam Peaty (left) with his box after coming second in the 100m breaststroke. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Medal winners receive a special box too.

In another unique touch, each medal contains an 18 gram chunk of the Eiffel Towel in the shape of a hexagon, referencing France’s geographical shape and nickname l’hexagon. The Eiffel Tower fragments were removed and preserved during renovations in the 20th century.

Australia has claimed four gold medals so far to be on top of the medal tally equal with Japan after two days of action.

Jessica Fox won her first kayak slalom gold on Day 2, adding to Grace Brown’s victory in the cycling individual time trial, Ariarne Titmus in the 400m freestyle and the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay.