On the obverse, some lines cast slightly in relief represent the soft, feathery snow, as well as the sharp, pointed ice- evocative of a typical Japanese scene of peace and serenity. The obverse was designed by Kazumi Yagi. On the reverse, the inscription “XI OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES SAPPORO'72” (and in Japanese) and the official emblem of the Games. The reverse was designed by Ikko Tanaka. The medals were made at the Mint Bureau of the Finance Ministry.

Japanese skater Tomoo Kurosawa arrives at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium, torch in hand, during a rehearsal for the ceremonies organised in the country in honour of the Olympic flame passing through ©Keystone

The Olympic flame in the Athens Stadium ©IOC

The reverse of the medal consists of various elements: on the right, there is the official emblem of the Games in Sapporo and the Olympic rings accompanied, on the left, by a typically Japanese sun. There are also two inscriptions, in English (“XI / Olympic / Winter / Games / Sapporo 72”) on the lower part, and the same text in Japanese on the upper part ©IOC

Sapporo 1972-NADIG Marie-Theres (SUI) 1st.

Sapporo 1972-The olympic flame in the Athens stadium.

Sapporo 1972-HOLUM Dianne (USA), 1st 1500 m and 2nd 3000 m.

Sapporo 1972-HOLUM Dianne (USA), 1st 1500 m and 2nd 3000 m.

Sapporo 1972-Bird's eye view of Mount Eniwa, women (1)and men (2) downhill. ke place.

Sapporo 1972-Bird's eye view of the Makomanai speed skating rink and indoor skating rink.