Did You Know This History of Olympic Gold Medals?

There are a lot of people who are captivated by the Olympics, and there are a few reasons for that. First, these games only take place every four years. Secondly, you’re not just competing in a sport, but you are representing your country.  

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And third, it means you are one of the best of the best in your sport in the world. I understand there can be some argument in certain cases, but hopefully you get the drift of what I’m saying.  

And lastly, the chance to win a medal in an Olympic game puts you into rare territory with a few athletes from around the world.  

I recently learned some interesting facts about the Olympic Medals. In the first modern day games, the prizes were a bit different.  

According to the website Historyfacts.com, in the first modern day Olympics in 1896 in Athens, there were no gold medals. First place took home a Silver Medal and an Olive Branch.  

Second place earned a bronze medal and a laurel branch. And if you came in third in your event, TOO BAD! There was nothing for you.  

The current three medal structure did not come into effect until the games in 1900 in Paris, where the games are this year, but even then, the medals were a little bit different from what we know today.  

In 1900, first place took home a gilt silver medal, which is silver with a thin layer of gold on it. Second and third places took home the medals we know today.  

It wasn’t until 1904 in St. Louis that the first-place prize became the Gold Medal that is so coveted today. But still, that medal isn’t pure gold. As a matter of fact, the International Olympic Committee mandates that 92.5% of the gold medal be silver.  

Here’s another fun fact about Olympic Medals, each host country mints the medals that are won at the games they host. And there’s usually a little something from their country mixed in. This year, pieces of the Eifel Tower were incorporated into what is given out at this year's games.  

Whether you’re watching the games or not, let’s honor these athletes, even if they don’t bring medals back to the United States. The amount of practice and preparation they’ve committed to over the years deserves that much.