Two of Team USA’s brightest names, Hezly Rivera and Claire Pease, were forced to withdraw from the World Team Selection Camp after rolling their ankles. This left the American lineup unsettled just weeks before the tournament in Jakarta. However, the netizens’ attention has shifted from the troubled US gymnastics team to another topic that has been making the rounds around the internet. The prime focus is now on the medal for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. 

Jakarta Gymnastics 2025 recently shared the first visuals of the ‘sustainable medal’ for the World Championships through Instagram. They announced the manufacturing of these medals from zinc alloy. Zinc alloy reportedly requires low energy during the high-precision die-casting process, making it a sustainable option. They even claimed it’s more sustainable than brass, bronze, and steel. But it’s the design that has come into question. 

According to the officials, they designed the medals in the shape of the official mascot of the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, Nodi. This design is inspired by the Rafflesia arnoldii flower. It represents an intricate blend of strength and beauty, aligning with the motto of artistic gymnastics. And the words “Jakarta Gymnastics 2025” are etched on the bottom right side of the medal. Gymnastics Now reshared the design on X and asked the fans, “Medal for Worlds! What do you think of the unique design? 👀” 

The medals caused utter chaos in the comments section of the X post. Let’s examine a few of the comments, shall we? 

Jakarta Gymnastics reveals medal design as fans split into two factions

The design of the medal is undoubtedly unique. One fan claimed, “It’s disturbingly cute.” Meanwhile, some others branded the design cute. One fan wrote, “So cute, looks designed after the raflesia flower, largest in the world by diameter.” Indeed, the Rafflesia is the largest flower in the world. But it’s also a carnivorous plant. It’s known for its iconic rotten flesh smell that attracts flies and bugs, and ultimately traps them inside its core. 

While the medal’s cuteness won several hearts, many fans claimed it wasn’t an impressive design for the seniors’ competition. One fan commented, “It’s cute, but not for a senior world championship medal.” But then again, it was the cuteness that won. Another comment read, “They’re cute medals! It does seem like a design better suited for a junior event, though.🤷 But I wouldn’t give it back if I won one 😅.”

Another fan decided to provide some facts to support Jakarta Gymnastics’ decision. The comment went something like, “I think it’s great and unique! How cool is it that they made a medal in the shape of one of their national flowers, Rafflesia Arnoldii? Those making fun of it need to travel more and broaden their perspective.” However, many seemed confused by the design. 

One such confused soul was Mike Shaffrey. He compared the medal’s shape to a flower and a paw print. He commented, “I don’t understand the design, but at first glance, it looks like a pile of dung or maybe a footprint of a large animal like a rhino or an elephant. I prefer a more standard design.” 

Right now, the US Team will be formed amongst Skye Blakely, Dulcy Caylor, Jayla Hang, Gabrielle Hardie, Joscelyn Roberson, Simone Rose, Ashlee Sullivan, and Leanne Wong. You got that right! There are no replacements for Rivera and Pease. But do you think a team of four from the aforementioned athletes can claim the Rafflesia medals? And while you’re at it, do let us know what you think of the new design.