Seven things you didn’t know about olympic medals

Here are seven obscure Olympic medal facts courtesy of the Money Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo.

#1. Olympic gold medals aren’t really gold 

The last series of medals made of solid gold were awarded at the 1912 Summer Olympic Games in Stockholm. Traditionally, Olympic gold medals are required to be made from at least 92.5% silver, and must contain a minimum of 6 grams of gold.

#2. “Citius, Altius, Fortius” 

The Olympic Motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (“Faster, Higher, Stronger”), has been the official motto of the Games since 1924. The motto has been featured on four Winter Games medals, but does not appear on any medals from the Summer Games.

#3. A wreath for first place

During the first modern Olympics in 1896, first-place athletes were crowned with an olive wreath and awarded a silver medal. It was not until the 1904 Summer Olympic Games in St Louis, that the now-famous gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded.

#4. Winter Games medals are heavier

Olympic medal designs have varied considerably over time. Award medals presented at the Summer Games tend to lean on a classical design, whereas medals awarded at the Winter Games have a more freestyle layout. The Winter Games medals are generally larger, thicker, and heavier than those for the Summer Games.

#5. Why do Olympians bite their medals?

Winning athletes are often photographed biting their medals. This is usually at the photographer’s request, and is based on the ancient practice of biting into gold to test its purity and authenticity.

#6. Artistry worthy of Olympic medals

From 1912 to 1948, art competitions were held as part of the Olympic Games, and medals were awarded for works of art inspired by sport. The five categories included: architecture, literature, music painting, and sculpture.

#7. Worth their weight in gold

With 18 Olympic gold medals, Michael Phelps holds the all-time medal record. The record for most gold medals held by a woman belongs to Larisa Latynina, a former Soviet gymnast, with nine.

 Ref.:  visitcos.com