Athletes across the globe devote years of their lives chasing the dream of an Olympic podium. The quadrennial event offers three medals: gold, silver, and bronze, each representing a pinnacle of achievement. But what goes into making these coveted awards? Take the Olympic gold medal, one of the most prestigious accolades in sports. A common question arises: are they made of pure gold? The answer is no. Modern Olympic gold medals are not crafted from pure gold; they are merely plated with it. The last time pure gold medals were used was at the 1912 Stockholm Games.
The current guidelines set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stipulate that gold medals must contain at least six grams of 24-carat gold. The majority of the medal’s weight (210g) is actually silver. Bronze medals, on the other hand, are composed of copper, zinc, tin, and a minuscule amount of silver. The IOC also mandates that medals must be at least 60mm in diameter and 3mm thick. These regulations ensure a consistent standard for the iconic symbol of Olympic triumph.
