Definition of gold medal

The term "gold medal" is widely recognized as the highest honor awarded to athletes who have achieved exceptional performances in international competitions such as the Olympic Games. The exact origin of this phrase, however, can be traced back to the ancient Olympic Games, which were held in ancient Greece over 2,700 years ago. At those times, winners in various sports events would receive a crown made of olive leaves, known as a kotinos. This prize was awarded to the victorious athlete as a symbol of honor and military prowess. Before the 4th century AD, Greek Olympic champions received no material rewards, as the athlete's glory was considered the greatest prize. During the modern Olympic Games, which began in 1896 in Athens, Greece, a gold medal was introduced as the highest form of accolade. The first games presented gold medals made of 18 karat gold, but later the material was switched to an alloy with bronze and nickel due to the high cost of pure gold. Since then, the gold medal has come to symbolize the highest level of sportsmanship and achievement, becoming a global symbol of excellence and distinction. Today, gold medals are awarded in various international sports competitions worldwide, such as the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Paraolympic Games, and the World Games. The term "gold medal" has thus become an integral part of the athletic lexicon and a revered symbol of sports glory that is equally recognized worldwide.