946 medals given to date. The US earned 107. 34 were gold. Do silver and bronze really matter anymore?

Question

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or are silver and bronze just bookends?

Answer 1

In the US, we love our silver and bronze athletes.  They are amazing and we don't discriminate or send the message that our silver and bronze medalists "suck".

Answer 2

A gold medal is what every athlete is aiming for but sometimes getting any medal at all is a huge accomplishment given politics's and favoritism by both judges and the fans. I don't know about you but to be considered the second or third best at anything in the world and then to receive a medal for it in front of the world, would be a life changing experience and something to always be proud of. I don't consider silver or bronze to in any way be bookends. In many ways any medal is a gold medal. Just imagine all the things these individuals have had to give up and go through to get where they are today! I'm not talking about short term stuff but experiences in life that can't ever be replaced, all they have had to give up over many, many years. Some have sacrificed most of their life to achieve this one goal. That is a lot of dedication, effort, time, sacrifice, endurance, etc., that I don't think I am personally capable of. So in answer to your question, yes silver and bronze really do matter and are in no way bookends! Just my opinion and how I see things.

Answer 3

I think they matter a great deal. These athletes are the best in the world and to come in second or third out of them, that's an honor. I think they count. Sure they are not a gold or mean you came in first but they do mean you beat a lot of your competition in the World!

And to the dude who's hating on us Americans... We probably have a better life the you and we probably support your living or pay your employment. So keep your mouth shut. America is more powerful and a way better place then where you come from!!

Answer 4

Yes, silver and bronze matter. 73 of those U.S. medals are silver or bronze. If you were in the Olympics, wouldn't you want silver or bronze instead of fourth place?

Answer 5

GOLD is Winner. SILVER is 1st LOSER. BRONZE is 2nd LOSER. Therefore, CHINA is the WINNER and USA is the 1st LOSER. Just face it Americans, WE HAVE LOST. =)

Answer 6

107? WOW! I think that is going to be our biggest medal total since 1904 if you don't include the USSR boycotted games in '84.

Great Job team USA. This ill turn out to be the best games for us since 1904!!! Again, Nice job Team USA!!

(we had 107 in '68) one more and we will have brought home more medals than we have in over a century!!!! Freaking awesome!!!! (Note: this medal is forthcoming as we play in the basketball final later today in which we are guaranteed at least a silver!!)

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/...

Answer 7

I think any medal is a great honor to win.  The Olympics is the greatest sports showcase in the world.  The medal is a dream come true for any athlete who competes.  After all, it's the greatest assembly of athletes at any one events and it only happens every four years.  To consider silver or bronze "bookends", isn't fair to those you have won them.  You have to be a great athlete in those individual sports to earn them.

Answer 8

No, they don't matter.  They should have the word "loser" engraved on them.  The people who didn't medal at all should be banned for life.  

Answer 9

I'd rather have bronze than a doughnut.

LOL, I pissed off the foreigner below, I love it.