A Short History on Medals and Why We Use Them in Sport
There is nothing more satisfying than a parent watching their child being awarded with medals after victorious school or club sports events. Indeed, the child is brimming with pride as they are adorned with the piece of jewellery whilst their parents, friends, and teammates congratulate their achievement.
Interestingly, this mark of victory and achievement in sport goes back a millennium in time. The first evidence of rewarding the success for outstanding achievement in sport goes as far back as 776 BC and were hosted in Olympia by the Greeks.
Best of the Best
Top performers from all over the known world were selected for their prowess on the battlefield. Spear (or javelin) throwing, archery, sprinting, and long-distance endurance running were among the first areas of expertise to be judged. Winners were awarded with olive branch head crowns (or wreaths), which they believed to be “ordained by the Gods.”
Unfortunately, war, factional infighting, and tribal conflict ended these deities for more than 1 500 years before organised sporting events would be looked at once again. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece in 1896.
New Beginnings
The person responsible for the rebirth of the first modern Olympics was a Frenchman named Baron Pierre de Coubertin who first presented the idea in 1894. The French sculptor, Jules-Clément Chaplin was designated to design and create the first Olympic medals. These were depicted with the Greek God Zeus holding Nike, the Greek Goddess of victory, on the face of the medals.
The Olympics in 1896 was the first time in known history that medals were used to recognise excellence in sport. Interestingly, at the inaugural international athletics meeting, there was no gold medal. First place was awarded a silver medal, second place was rewarded with a bronze medal, and third place left empty handed. It was only at the 1904 Olympics held in St. Louis, USA, where the gold, silver, and bronze medals for all three places were introduced.
Awarding these medals to the winners of these athletic events is a symbol of their accomplishments and the recognition for their efforts. It also inspires competitors to improve their efforts for the next meeting.
Where to Get Your Medals?
Today, with medals infiltrating all sorts of sporting events, one has to be extremely selective as to where one would acquire the best quality awards. That is why Trophy and Medal Boutique is here for you. With 33 years of experience, and as a brand leader in the industry, we will assist you in all your design and award needs. Contact us or explore our website to see our different designs.