Why Bite Olympic Medals?
Have you ever wondered why some athletes bite their Olympic medals? This peculiar habit has been a topic of interest for many, and there are several reasons behind it. In this article, we will delve into the various dimensions of this unique practice.
Historical Perspective
The tradition of biting Olympic medals dates back to the early 20th century. According to a story, when the first Olympic medals were made of silver, athletes would bite them to test their authenticity. This practice continued even after the switch to gold and silver plating. Let’s take a look at the evolution of Olympic medals over the years.
Year | Composition |
---|---|
1896 | 100% silver |
1904 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1912 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1920 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1924 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1928 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1932 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1936 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1948 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1952 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1956 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1960 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1964 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1968 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1972 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1976 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1980 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1984 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1988 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1992 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
1996 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
2000 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |
2004 | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper |