Why are athletes given Gold, silver and bronze medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd?

Question

Why are athletes given Gold, silver and bronze medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd?

Answer 1

I see that your answer has been given, but did you also realise that the first 8 competitors in each event also get a Diploma for

"Excellence in Sport" from the IOC? The link below doesn't say much but it does explain their existance.

Finishing in the top 8 is like making the final for your event, even if they only have one race, i.e. no heats, quarter finals, semi's, then finals etc. For example the Road Cycling Race or the Marathon.

(P.S. I know they exist as I have one for getting 7th in an event in Seoul 20 years ago.)

Answer 2

I have searched google and other sites to find buy cant find anything...will check here later to see if someone knows.

Maybe it is just the value aspect gold is worth more than silver, silver more than bronze?

I know the 4th to 8th position competitors get a 'diploma'.

Answer 3

It is deeply rooted in history and tradition.  Gold is much rarer than silver, and has always been worth more. Similarly, Silver is much rarer than copper and tin, which are the metals used to make bronze.

Gold-bug