2024 Paris Olympics: Why Do Athletes Bite Their Medals?
As the 2024 Paris Olympics come to a close, fans and athletes alike have witnessed the familiar and celebratory image of Olympic champions proudly displaying their medals. One quirky and iconic gesture that often accompanies this triumphant moment is the athlete biting their medal. This tradition raises several questions: Why do athletes bite their medals, and how did this ritual come to be? Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind this unusual but popular practice.
The Historical Context
The practice of biting medals dates back to earlier times when it served a practical purpose. In the past, gold was frequently tested for authenticity by biting it. Pure gold is a relatively soft metal, and biting it could leave a mark if it was genuine. This was a common method used by traders to ensure they were dealing with real gold. However, this is no longer a concern for Olympic athletes.
Modern Medals: Not Pure Gold
Today’s Olympic gold medals are not made entirely of gold. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stopped awarding pure gold medals in 1912. Current gold medals are primarily composed of silver, with at least 92.5% silver and only a small amount of gold (six grams) to give them their golden hue. Thus, the practice of biting the medal to test its authenticity has become obsolete.
The Photographic Tradition
In contemporary times, the act of biting a medal has transitioned from a practical test to a performative gesture for photographers. This tradition is driven by the desire to capture iconic and celebratory images of athletes. David Wallechinsky, president of the International Society of Olympic Historians, explains that the gesture has become a favorite of photographers seeking memorable shots. “It’s become an obsession with the photographers,” Wallechinsky told CNN. “They look at it as an iconic shot, as something that you can probably sell. I don’t think it’s something the athletes would probably do on their own.”
Beyond the Olympics
The tradition of biting trophies or medals is not exclusive to the Olympics. Tennis star Rafael Nadal, for example, is well-known for biting the Coupe des Mousquetaires, the trophy awarded to the French Open men’s singles champion. This gesture has become a part of Nadal’s celebratory routine, just as it has for many Olympic athletes.
Potential Risks
While the tradition often results in memorable photos, it can occasionally lead to mishaps. In the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, German luger David Müller experienced a painful outcome when he broke a tooth while biting into his silver medal. “The photographers wanted a picture of me holding the medal just with my teeth,” Müller recounted. “Later at dinner, I noticed a bit of one of my teeth was missing.”
The 2024 Medal Count
As the Games draw to a close, here’s a snapshot of the medal standings:
- United States: 122
- China: 90
- Great Britain: 63
- France: 62
- Australia: 50
- Japan: 43
- Italy: 39
- Netherlands: 32
- Germany: 31
- Republic of Korea: 30
The act of biting the medal, while symbolic and photographic in nature, reflects the joy and pride of achieving Olympic success. Whether driven by tradition, photography, or simply the moment’s excitement, it remains a memorable part of the Olympic celebration.
