Why Do Athletes Bite Their Olympic Medals?

If you’ve ever watched the Olympics, you’ve probably seen athletes biting their medals during the victory ceremony. It’s a strange tradition that has become synonymous with the Games, but where did it come from? And why do athletes engage in Olympic medal biting?

The Origin of the Tradition

According to Olympic historians, the tradition of biting medals began as a way for athletes to test their authenticity. In the past, Olympic medals were made of pure gold, silver, or bronze, and biting them would leave a mark. This allowed athletes to prove that their medals were genuine and not made of a cheaper metal.

However, this isn’t the case anymore. Modern Olympic medals are made of a mix of metals and are only plated with a thin layer of gold, silver, or bronze. This means that biting them won’t leave a mark, but the tradition has continued nonetheless.

The Photography Factor

Another reason why athletes bite their medals is for the cameras. Photographers often ask athletes to bite their medals to create a memorable and iconic image. This shot has become a staple of Olympic photography, and athletes are more than happy to oblige.

Connecting with History

For some athletes, biting their medals is a way to connect with the history and tradition of the Olympic Games. The Games have been taking place for over a century, and biting medals has become a symbol of victory and achievement.

Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin experienced the medal-biting tradition firsthand at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After witnessing her fellow medalists bite their medals, Zhou quickly followed suit, raising her silver medal to her mouth.

The tradition of Olympic medal biting may seem strange to some, but it has a rich history and cultural significance. As the Olympic Games continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see if this tradition continues or if new ones emerge.

As the Olympic Games continue to evolve and change, it will be interesting to see if this tradition continues or if new ones emerge. One thing is for sure, though: the excitement and pride that comes with winning an Olympic medal will never fade.

_{Cover image credit: REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli, Hannah Mckay, Mike Blake}