Gold Medal, Olympic Winter Games Salt Lake City 2002

On the obverse, an athlete bursts from flames carrying a torch, representing the resilience of the human spirit and the power to inspire. The figure has triumphed over adversity and is thus released from a mountain of ice and rock. The Olympic Rings anchor the image of the athlete, while the theme of the Olympic Winter Games Salt Lake City 2002 "Light the Fire Within" is etched into the medal, marking the first time that an organising committee's vision statement is included on a medal.

On the reverse, Nike, the Greek goddess of Victory, holds a small victory leaf, symbolising the olive wreaths that were presented to winners of the ancient Olympic Games. Within Nike's embrace is an illustration of the event for which each medal is being presented. The emblem of the Olympic Winter Games Salt Lake City 2002 and the name of the event figure on the reverse of each medal. At the base of the ribbon loop is the Roman numeral XIX, signifying the XIX Olympic Winter Games.

The medals are designed in the shape of river rocks, like those found in Utah's streams and rivers. Part modern and part rustic, they embody the spirit of the American West, from the forging of the West to the technological present. Each medal is hand–finished and is slightly different from others, mimicking individual rocks sculpted by water and wind.