A flat piece of metal, typically round, awarded to recognize achievement in sports competition. Medals are usually made of gold, silver, or bronze to signify first, second, or third place respectively.
From French 'médaille' from Italian 'medaglia,' ultimately from Latin 'metallum' meaning 'metal.' Originally referred to coins or medallions with commemorative designs, evolving to athletic awards in the modern Olympic era.
Olympic gold medals aren't actually made of gold—they're silver with gold plating worth about $800! The last solid gold medals were awarded in 1912, and today's 'gold' medals contain only about 6 grams of actual gold to meet International Olympic Committee standards.
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