O ya...the Olympics

They just released the designs for the medals for the 2012 games and while the back looks pretty much like any "patriotic" design every country has used for coins since whenever, the front is pretty different. And surprsingly, though the design for the games logo was highly criticized, and for good reason IMO, the design plays off of the harsh angles and sharp corners and completely distinguishes it from circular and rather minimal beijing medals. Personally, I kinda like it. The logo gets a bit lost in all the lines, which is a good thing, and the lines emit great energy and movement. It comes across a little busy and reminds me of the game "Kerplunk!" but it has a rather "explodey" feel that gives it energy that the beijing medals lacked.  I like the abstraction but paired with the back, it seems kind of...off. But, I supposed thats the danger when picking such a "radical" or "modern" design for a historical event. Check it out.