The Olympic Games have been one of the main global games for more than hundred years. One of the special elements of the Olympic Games is the honor of awards to the top-performing competitors. The history of Olympic medal awards will be examined in this article.
Introduction
Although the modern Olympic Games began in Athens, Greece, in 1896, they have been held there ever since ancient times. Since then, the modern Olympic Games have grown in size and stature, attracting thousands of athletes from all over the world. The presentation of medals to the athletes who have performed the best is one of the Olympic Games’ most enduring traditions.
The First Modern Olympic Games
At the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the first Olympic medals were given out. The medals had a diameter of 50 millimeters and were made of solid gold. Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, was depicted on the medal’s front, and the sport for which it was given was depicted on its back. Only the first-place medal was given out; the silver medal went to the second-place finishers, and the bronze medal went to the third-place finishers.
Early Olympic Medals
At the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the first Olympic medals were given out. The medals had a diameter of 50 millimeters and were made of solid gold. Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, was depicted on the medal’s front, and the sport for which it was given was depicted on its back. Only the first-place medal was given out; the silver medal went to the second-place finishers, and the bronze medal went to the third-place finishers.
Development of the Medal Design
Over time, Olympic medal designs have changed. The first Olympic medals with a hole in the middle were issued at the Amsterdam Games in 1928. The medals were made lighter and easier to wear around the neck with the addition of the hole. The first Olympic medals with designs on both sides were issued at the Munich Games in 1972.
Olympic Medal Material
This changed following the Stockholm, Sweden, Olympic Games of 1912. The main current Olympic decorations were made of strong gold. Following that, the medals were silver with a gilt finish. In 1960, the medals were made entirely of silver. Since 2004, the medals have been plated in gold on silver.
Changes in Medal Design
Lately, there have been a few changes in the plan of the Olympic decorations. With a weight of 400 grams and a diameter of 85 millimeters, the Olympic medals from the London Games of 2012 were the largest and heaviest ever. The awards for the 2016 Rio Olympics were quick to be produced using maintainable materials, with the gold, silver, and bronze decorations produced using reused metals.
Medal Ceremonies
The Olympic Games’ medal ceremonies have developed into an essential component. In a formal ceremony with national anthems and flags, gold medal winners typically receive their medals and are interviewed by the media. The ceremonies in which the winners of the silver and bronze medals receive their awards are comparable, albeit with less fanfare.
Special Medals
At the Olympic Games, in addition to the standard gold, silver, and bronze medals, special medals have also been given out. At the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, for instance, fourth-place finishers received commemorative medals. The organizers of the 2008 Beijing Olympics introduced the “Jade Medals,” which were awarded to martial arts event winners and were made of jade.
Controversies
Despite the generally positive experience of receiving medals at the Olympic Games, there have been some controversies over the years. At the 1972 Olympics in Munich, 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and eventually murdered by terrorists, which led to one of the most notable controversies. Despite the tragedy, the IOC decided to carry on with the Games, which drew criticism from some quarters.
At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, some athletes accused the judges of being biased in the figure skating events, which sparked another controversy. Doping and performance-enhancing drugs have also been the subject of controversy, and some athletes have had their medals taken away after failing drug tests.
Conclusion
At the Olympic Games, medals are given out. This is a long-standing custom that has changed over time. The design and material of Olympic medals have evolved over time, shifting from the solid gold medals of the early games to the recent use of sustainable and recycled materials. The awarding of medals to the winners in front of the world’s media has become an integral part of the Games. The awarding of medals remains a highlight of the Olympic Games, despite some controversies over the years.
FAQ
Who designed the first Olympic medals?
The French artist Jules-Clément Chaplain created the first modern Olympic medals.
What material are the Olympic medals made of?
The Olympic medals have been plated in gold on silver since 2004.
How many medals are awarded at the Olympic Games?
Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded at the Olympic Games.
How are the medal ceremonies conducted at the Olympic Games?
In a formal ceremony with national anthems and flags, gold medal winners typically receive their medals and are interviewed by the media. The ceremonies in which the winners of the silver and bronze medals receive their awards are comparable, albeit with less fanfare.
Have any athletes been stripped of their Olympic medals?
Yes, some athletes have been stripped of their Olympic medals after failing drug tests or being found guilty of other infractions.