The Origin of the Olympic Medal Bite: From Authenticity Test to Tradition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 16:46 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, GREECE, UNITED STATES

The Golden Bite: From Testing Authenticity to Olympic Tradition

For decades, the image of an Olympic medalist gleefully - and somewhat surprisingly - biting into their newly won medal has become an iconic visual shorthand for athletic triumph. But this isn't mere playful exuberance; the practice, while now largely symbolic, has a fascinating history rooted in verifying authenticity. Today, on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, as the Winter Games continue to captivate audiences, understanding the origins of this peculiar tradition offers a glimpse into the evolving relationship between athletes, their awards, and the very essence of the Olympic spirit.

While the visual has become commonplace in recent Games, the phenomenon didn't always exist. The story begins with Canadian speed skater Catriona Le May Doan at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. After a stunning victory in the 1,000-meter race, Le May Doan spontaneously bit down on her gold medal. This impulsive act, captured by photographers and broadcast globally, unexpectedly ignited a tradition. Initial reactions from officials were reportedly laced with concern, fearing damage to the valuable awards.

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) swiftly moved to clarify the situation. Le May Doan wasn't attempting to consume her prize; she was, in fact, testing its authenticity. In an era before widespread, readily available materials testing technology, a bite test - although unconventional - was a primitive, yet understandable, method to confirm the medal wasn't a mere gilded imitation. The idea was to ascertain if the medal was crafted from genuine precious metals, specifically gold and silver, which constituted the bulk of Olympic medals for many years.

Historically, the composition of Olympic medals has varied significantly. While the modern medals appear to be solid gold, silver, or bronze, this isn't entirely true. The current composition reflects a balance between showcasing the prestige of the awards and maintaining affordability. The gold medals awarded at the Summer Olympics are now primarily made of silver, plated with a minimum of 6 grams of gold. Silver medals are typically composed of sterling silver, while bronze medals are an alloy of copper, tin, and zinc. Prior to these changes, medals were often made of nearly pure gold and silver, making a bite test a more legitimate, albeit destructive, form of verification.

Le May Doan's action, therefore, wasn't a bizarre quirk, but a vestige of a time when athletes needed to independently assure themselves of the value and legitimacy of their hard-earned prizes. As materials science advanced and quality control measures tightened, the necessity for a 'bite test' diminished. However, the symbolic weight of the gesture remained.

Today, biting medals is overwhelmingly a celebratory performance - a nod to Le May Doan and a visual representation of achieving a lifelong dream. Modern medals undergo rigorous testing procedures by the IOC to ensure authenticity. Athletes are provided with certificates of authenticity, and the materials used are carefully documented. The IOC has even issued gentle warnings to athletes against biting, primarily to avoid damaging the medals and to prevent the spread of germs, particularly pertinent in the age of heightened health consciousness.

The continued practice, despite these cautions, speaks volumes about the enduring power of tradition and the emotional significance of the Olympic Games. It's a playful acknowledgment of the history, a connection to past athletes, and a visceral expression of joy and accomplishment. The 'golden bite' has become more than a test; it's a ritual, a statement, and a powerful symbol of Olympic glory. It demonstrates that even in a world of increasing technological sophistication, a simple, instinctive act can capture the heart and imagination of millions and endure as a timeless Olympic tradition.