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The medals in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 will be special because all athletes will receive the medals which are made from the Eiffel Tower's metal. Apart from these medals, all the Silver, Bronze and Gold medals are made of a special medal and the design of medals was changed during the initial editions of the Games. Here are the things you need to know about the Olympic medals.
When medals were introduced in the Olympics
During the initial edition of the Olympics, the champion was represented with a wreath (traditionally made of olive branch), which was placed around the winner's neck during the closing ceremony. The medals were started in 1896. The very first medals in the Olympics were given in 1896 Olympics were made of silver, and the winner was presented with an olive branch. In the same Olympic Games, the runner-up was awarded a bronze (traditionally a mixture of copper and tin) medal and a laurel branch.
Earlier in 1900 Olympics medals received a cup or trophy rather than a medal. However, the IOC awarded gold, silver and bronze medals to athletes who placed first, second and third at the 1896 and 1900 Olympic Games.
Design
The first Olympic medals (in 1896) were designed and manufactured in Paris, France. Since then, it has been tradition that the host country's organising committee would be responsible for the design and production of Olympic medals. However, traditionally for the Summer Olympic Games, the medals must have an image of the Greek god of victory (Nike) on the front.
Process of making medals
Olympic medals are made in a similar way as modern coins. After the final design, a 3D model of the medal was prepared and after that, they were cast in the form of steel. The makers take care of the size and weight of the medal before the hydraulic pressing. Bronze and silver are put in sulfuric acid to make them shine. Whereas this is not done with gold medals.
Process of making Olympic medals
Casting: The material used to make the medal is melted completely and put in the casting machine so that it takes the shape of the medal. This shape is prepared from a 3D model.
Refining: When the medals come out of the casting machine, the workers clean them thoroughly and polish them. Everyone checks whether the structure of the medal is damaged or if there is a crack on any medal.
Treating: When the medals are completely made, then they are put in sulfuric acid and the small impurities stuck in all the layers are cleaned. After this, all the medals shine completely. But here gold is put in a different liquid and silver-bronze is put in another chemical.
Plating: After this, the medals are put in an electrolyte solution. So that whatever metal is on the medals does not come out and remains on it.
Marking: After the medals are completely ready, they are marked. This is the final process. Nike Greek Goddess of Victory is inscribed on the medals of the Summer Olympics. On the back side, the Olympic committee of the country where the Olympic Games are being held can get the design made according to its choice. During this, the year and Olympic edition are also written. It is also changed with time. Please note that there is no name of any winner on the medals. After inscribing the design on the medals, each medal is put in a box with a ribbon and then finally given to the winner. It takes 48 hours to make the medals.
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