Preparations for the design and production of victory and commemorative medals began in April 1994. The designer of the 1996 pictograms was awarded the contract to refine the design for the victory medals and design the commemorative medals.

The obverse of the commemorative medal displays the torch mark logo with the words "Games of the XXVI Olympiad." On the reverse, the Quilt of Leaves appears with the words "Centennial Olympic Games." In accordance with the Olympic Charter, both victory and commemorative medals were designed and produced by the same manufacturer.

The commemorative medals and diplomas were distributed to all accredited members of the Olympic Family through their respective contact at ACOG, e.g., the Media Relations division of ACOG Communications, AOB, and International Relations. ACOG staff and volunteers also received the diploma. All moulds of the victory and commemorative medals and sets of the first-to-eighth placed athletes' certificates and commemorative diplomas were given to the IOC, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Samples of the medals were also kept for ACOG's Olympic archives.

(Source document:   Official Report 1996, Vol. 1, page 133)