A handout image obtained from the London 2012 organising committee (LOCOG) on July 27, 2011 shows the London 2012 Olympic medals designed by British artist David Watkins. The Olympic medals' circular form is a metaphor for the world. The front of the medal always depicts the same imagery at the summer Games, the Greek Goddess of Victory, Nike, stepping out of the depiction of the Parthenon to arrive in the host city. The design for the reverse of the London 2012 Olympic medals contains five main symbolic elements: the dished background suggests a bowl similar to the design of an amphitheatre, the core emblem is an architectural expression, a metaphor for the modern City, the grid brings both a pulling together and sense of outreach on the design - an image of radiating energy that represents the athletes' achievements and effort, the River Thames is a symbol for London and the square is the final balancing motif of the design, opposing the overall circularity of the design and emphasising its focus on the centre and reinforcing the sense of 'place' as in a map inset. AFP PHOTO / LOCOG/ HO
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