Why Olympic Winners Bite Their Medals: Unveiling the Tradition Ahead of the 2024 Paris Games

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th July 2024

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, anticipation builds for the multifaceted sporting events set to unfold in the French capital. Among the various traditions associated with the Olympics, one of the most recognizable is the act of biting the medal by victorious athletes. But what is the story behind this peculiar practice? Here’s an in-depth look at why Olympic winners bite their medals.

Historically, Olympic gold medals were crafted from pure gold. To verify the authenticity of their medals, athletes used to bite them, as the dent made by their teeth could reveal whether the medal was genuine. The practice was practical: pure gold is soft, so it would leave a mark if bitten. This tradition allowed athletes to ensure that their medals were made of the precious metal they were promised.

However, since 1912, the composition of Olympic medals has changed. Modern medals are no longer made entirely of gold; they are primarily composed of less valuable metals and coated with a thin layer of gold. Despite this shift in material, the tradition of biting the medal continues. This enduring custom has evolved beyond its original practical purpose. For many athletes, it has become a symbolic gesture representing the culmination of years of rigorous training, dedication, and perseverance.

The biting of medals has also become a staple of celebratory photography. This action provides athletes with an opportunity to create engaging and memorable images, distinct from the standard smile. Photographers often encourage this pose, knowing that it adds a unique and dynamic element to the photos, capturing the joy and triumph of the moment in a more vivid manner.

As we look forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, this tradition will remain a cherished part of the Olympic experience, reflecting the personal and historic significance of athletic achievement. It not only honors the athletes’ hard work but also creates iconic visual moments for fans and the media.

This year’s Olympics will introduce a special twist to the medals themselves. For the first time, the medals will incorporate pieces of ironwork from the Eiffel Tower, a symbolic gesture celebrating the host city. The iron is crafted into the shape of France’s hexagon and prominently featured in the center of the medal, which also bears the emblem of the Paris 2024 Games. The reverse side of the medal will showcase significant landmarks, including the Acropolis of Athens, the Eiffel Tower, and the Panathenaic Stadium, adding a historic and cultural touch to the awards.

A total of 5,084 medals have been produced for this year’s Games, each uniquely engraved with the sport, discipline, and event. This personalization ensures that every medal is distinctive, making the act of biting it even more memorable for the athletes.

In summary, the tradition of biting Olympic medals has evolved from a practical test of authenticity to a symbolic and celebratory gesture. As the 2024 Paris Olympics bring new and exciting elements to the Games, including the incorporation of iconic French ironwork into the medals, athletes will continue to honor this tradition, making their triumphs even more memorable.