IOC approves 'innovative' Beijing 2008 Games medals

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Feb 8 (Reuters) The International Olympic Committee has approved the medal design for the Beijing 2008 Games but said it was up to the Chinese to unveil them, IOC President Jacques Rogge said today.

''We have approved the medals,'' Rogge told reporters. ''You will have to wait a little bit to see the design but they are very innovative and nice.'' IOC officials said the unveiling would be staged by the Games organisers but declined to confirm reports that one of the sides depicted the Great Wall of China.

The most recent Olympic medals, for the Turin 2006 Winter Games received mixed reviews with many calling them giant doughnuts because of their large hole in the middle.

REUTERS DKS BST0143