As the world’s top athletes prepare to take center stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics, attention turns to the iconic medals that will be awarded to the winners.
But have you ever wondered about the history of Olympic medals, what they look like, and what athletes do with them?
When did the Olympic Games Start?
The tradition of awarding medals dates back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece, where winners were adorned with olive wreaths.
The first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 saw the introduction of silver and bronze medals for the top two finishers, while those who came in third left empty-handed. It wasn’t until the 1904 St. Louis Olympics that the now-familiar tradition of gold, silver, and bronze medals was established.
What Are Olympic Medals Made Of?
The design of Olympic medals is overseen by the host city’s organizing committee and must include specific elements, such as Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and the Olympic five rings symbol.
The medals for the 2024 Paris Olympics feature a unique design, with a piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower molded into a hexagon, which is the geometrical shape of France. The gold medals contain six grams of gold and weigh 529 grams.
But what happens to these precious medals after they’re awarded? Some Olympians choose to keep them as a symbol of their achievement, while others find unique ways to display or store them. Swimmer Michael Phelps keeps his gold medals wrapped in a T-shirt in a traveling makeup case, while skier Mikaela Shiffrin stores hers in her sock drawer.
Can you sell Olympic Medals?
For those who do decide to part with their medals, they can fetch a significant amount of money.
Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko sold his gold medal from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics for $1 million, which he donated to a children’s charity.
Other athletes have sold their medals on eBay or at auctions, with some fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Olympic medals are not only a symbol of victory but also a piece of history. Whether kept as a treasured keepsake or sold to raise funds for charity, these iconic awards hold a special place in the hearts of athletes and fans alike.
