The International Skating Union (ISU) has appointed MC ART AWARDS, a Shenzhen-based pioneer in high-end trophy and medal manufacturing, to produce the official medals for the 2025 European Figure Skating Championships in Helsinki. Using advanced relief die-casting technology, the medals will celebrate the elegance, sportsmanship and cultural heritage of European figure skating while adhering to the ISU’s sustainability requirements.
Medal Design: A fusion of sport and craftsmanship
The medals embody the fluidity and precision of figure skating, with design elements directly inspired by athlete input and European art:
Material: High-density zinc alloy with 24K gold, silver and rose gold plating. Core components integrate 30% recycled metal from decommissioned ISU event infrastructure.
OF: Dynamic 3D relief with crisscrossing lines on the ice capturing a quadruple toe loop. The ISU logo and the text “European Champions 2025” are embossed with micron-level precision.
Reverse: Laser-etched outlines of iconic European skating venues (e.g. Helsinki Ice Hall, Vienna Engelmann Arena) surrounded by a crystallized frost pattern.
Ribbon: Adjustable magnetic clasp in OEKO-TEX certified silk dyed in the colors of the participating countries’ flags.
Technological innovation: die-cast excellence
MC ART AWARDS’ proprietary 5-stage relief die-casting process ensures unparalleled detail and durability:
1. Mold manufacturing: AI-optimized steel molds are refined through 3D scanning of Olympic-level skates.
2. Die-casting: An 800-ton hydraulic press injects molten alloy at 1,200°C, filling micron-thin grooves to create sharp relief.
3. Post-processing: Automatic polishing, anti-rust coating and hand-finishing by master craftsmen.
Why MC ART AWARDS?
Sophia Lombardi, ISU Project Leader:
“We sought a partner who could transform the elegance of skating into a lasting symbol of achievement. MC’s expertise in die casting for events such as the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games and their medal foundry in Shenzhen made them the obvious choice.”
Tom, CTO, MC ART AWARDS:
“Our embossed die-casting technology enables tolerances of 0.1mm – essential for intricate designs, like the lace patterns on skating costumes. By using recycled metals and a closed-loop water system, we reduced our carbon footprint by 40% compared to traditional methods.”
Production Timeline and Metrics
Design Phase: 12 days (including athlete focus groups in Stockholm and Milan).
Prototyping: 6 iterations testing drop resistance (-20°C simulation) and haptic feedback.
Mass Production: 300 medals (100 gold, 100 silver, 100 bronze) in 21 days.
Logistics: Shipped by air freight UPS from Shenzhen to St. Petersburg and then by land transport to Helsinki.
Key Results:
Cost Efficiency: 150% lower cost per unit compared to European counterparts.
Quality Assurance: 100% pass rate for ISO 9001 and TÜV Rheinland inspections.
Sustainability: 92% of production waste is recycled, exceeding the ISU target of 75%.
About MC ART AWARDS
With 22 years of global experience, MC ART AWARDS has produced medals for FIFA, the Asian Games and the Dubai Expo. Its patented die-casting and crystal fusion technologies redefine luxury in sports memorabilia.
About the 2025 ISU European Figure Skating Championships
The event will be held in Helsinki from January 13 to 19, 2025, with more than 200 skaters from 40 countries participating. To celebrate 130 years of European figure skating tradition, the event will debut new judging technology and holographic live replays.
More information about the 2025 European Figure Skating Championships
© 2025 MC ART AWARDS. Medals protected by international design patents (pending).
