In the 2008 Olympics, how come some medalists got the jade-inserts while others got the regular medals?

Question

What determines who gets the jade-insert medals?

Answer 1

They all have the inlaid Jade. This is on the unique side representative of Beijing.

The other side is the specific design required by the IOC on all Olympic medals - of Nike, the winged goddess of victory, and the Panathinaikos Arena. This is the side that looks pure gold.

The Paralympic Medals are also inlaid with Jade.

Answer 2

the jade is on the back of the medal =)

Answer 3

i thought they all got it

Answer 4

They all have it... The jade is an insert on one side and not on the other. When you see an athlete with the jade, it is just the way their medal is hanging. Turn it over and the other side is solid metal.