World Gymnastics Championship

The World Gymnastics Championships are due to be held in Liverpool, autumn 2022. Alison Little submitted a medal design, however she was unsuccessful, however she is looking forward to seeing the winning submission cast in Gold.

Below is an extract from her proposal.

Medal Design

World Gymnastics Championship, Liverpool 2022

A design which will celebrate the gymnastic athletes which are being brought on a Global scale to the city of Liverpool. The famed landmark of the Liver building to become a pommel horse and floor platform.

Gymnastics, the preeminent sport in developing physical ability and coordination. Balance, strength, flexibility, athletes become scorpions of flight through their performance. A dedication to a sport which originated with the Spartans in Greece to prepare men for war. Taken forth by the Romans, then permeating throughout Europe and over to the USA from the later years of the eighteenth century. The men’s competition being included in the first modern Olympic Games, the women’s entering forthwith in the 1920’s as the equality demands of first wave feminism transcended the Globe. The modern sport of artistic gymnastics presents expertise in: uneven and parallel bars, the floor, rings, the all important balance beam, finishing off with the pommel and vaulting horses.

A medal which will authentically reflect the dexterity and devotion essential to achieving winning status. The design aims to replicate the origins of a disk shape, coin-like form. Utilizing the ribbon to be worn through the traditional mode, to be bestowed then sported on the athlete as a token of the training and diligence which has led to vast accomplishment.

The design transforms the Liver building into a pommel horse and stage for floor performance. The male athlete takes the handle of the pommel demonstrating scissor leg movement. The female athlete performs a dance move from a floor routine, displaying skills of balance and artistry. Although attractive the female athlete is not sexualised, at the peak of physical fitness but evidently an athlete and not an objectified symbol of lust. Eluding any association with the term ‘Gymnastics’ which means to perform naked and recent controversies around sexualisation of British female gymnasts.

The Royal Liver Building to represent the port city of Liverpool. A major landmark since its construction in the early twentieth century. A grade I listed building, encompassing thirteen stories, sited in a key position on the iconic waterfront at Pier Head. We look to witness the athletes fly, but not the Liver Birds: Bella and Bertie. The fable tells of how if the birds were to fly off the city would cease to exist.

An outer edge to be created, inside we look to replicate a rim of chalk used on hands and feet by gymnasts. In design this looks to emulate the notion of raw, unworked metal ore within the design. Introducing a craft element to CNC production techniques. The medals will be produced using CNC for mold making then die cast. To the rear of the medal the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) logo to be engraved. Additional engraving to be added to the side of the medal commemorating the event:

‘World Gymnastics Championships, Liverpool 2022’

When using gold the manufacturing process to ensure that mercury is not used in purification as this can poison eco systems. Potential for reclaimed mirrors to be used within the silver edition. Bronze to be widely utilized, particularly for the supporters medal. Further possibilities for gilding and plating to be explored using non-precious metals. Conceivably a variation of size between Gold, Silver and bronze. The intention of the supporters token is to be the medal without any hanging methodology and to be presented boxed.

Aesthetically, the hanging ribbon is positioned towards the rear edge of the medal. The use of weave technique, incorporating the FIG logo within the weave. Berisford woven ribbon manufacturers based in Congleton are local manufacturers, minimising environmental impact and supporting the regional economy.

A design which can truly celebrate gymnastics on a global stage from the city of Liverpool. The Royal Liver Building, an iconic of Liverpool standing tall within the medal. Two athletes of calabre, through the male we champion strength and ability, the female reflects grace and elegance.

A medal worthy of the sporting success it honours.

Alison Little