Why do Olympic athletes bite on their medal?

Question

Why do Olympic athletes bite on their medal?

Answer 1

Possibly they are hungry?

Answer 2

they dont

Answer 3

It seems to just be some sort of tradition, maybe to prove that its real? Perhaps the only way to contain their glee after being named one of the 3 best in the world at their sport?

Answer 4

It's just a joke to check if it is real gold.  

Answer 5

gold and silver happen to be very soft metals soft enough that you should be able to mark them with your teeth. In principle, athletes could use the "bite test" to see if a medal were pure, 24-karat gold, as opposed to a less valuable alloy. but now i don't think they do it to make a dent to check if its real. I think they do it because its becoming a metal winning symbol. i hope i answered your question the way you liked to hear.

Answer 6

Earlier, goldsmiths used to check if the gold was real by biting on it. 24 karat gold is extremely soft and has to be mixed with other metals to make it less brittle. This has sorta caught on and athletes just are having fun as if asking if this gold is real. It kinda reflects their disbelief at winning.