If you’ve ever watched the Olympic Games, you’ve probably noticed something strange—and oddly consistent. After winning a medal, especially gold, many athletes strike a pose by biting the medal for the cameras. But have you ever stopped and asked: Why do Olympians bite their medals?
It’s one of those traditions that seems to happen automatically now, like waving to the crowd or holding up a flag. But this quirky gesture actually has a mix of history, media influence, and a touch of humor behind it. Let’s break it all down.
A Photo Tradition More Than Anything Else
Let’s get this out of the way early: athletes aren’t biting their medals to test if they’re real gold. Most of the time, they’re doing it for the photo.
Over the past few decades, media photographers covering the Olympics have popularized this image. It’s become a standard photo request—similar to holding up the trophy in other sports.
📸 Fun Fact: Many athletes say they don’t even plan to do it. A photographer simply yells, “Give me a bite!” and they go along with it.
So, Are They Testing for Real Gold?
You’ve probably heard the old myth that biting gold is a way to check if it’s genuine. That actually has some truth—but only historically.
- Pure gold is a soft metal, and biting it would leave a small dent.
- In the past, people bit coins to test if they were pure gold or fake ones made from harder metals.
But Olympic medals today? They’re not made of pure gold.
- Modern gold medals are mostly silver and just coated in a thin layer of gold (about 6 grams worth).
- Biting one wouldn’t tell you anything—and could actually damage your teeth.
So while the biting gold myth has roots in reality, that’s not why Olympians are doing it today.
The Media’s Role in Creating the Trend
The gold medal bite shot has become one of the most recognizable Olympic images—and that’s thanks to photojournalism.
- News outlets and social media love iconic, expressive images.
- The medal bite is playful, emotional, and a little rebellious—it tells a story in one frame.
- Over time, it became expected, and athletes now do it as part of the celebration.
Athletes know the cameras are watching, and many want to give their moment a bit of personal flair. The bite has become one of those go-to moves.
Some Athletes Aren’t Fans of the Bite
Not everyone loves this quirky tradition. Some athletes have spoken out about it or simply skipped the pose altogether.
- U.S. Olympic shot putter Ryan Crouser once joked, “I’m not biting my medal—those things are not good for your dental health.”
- Others feel it’s become too commercialized or forced.
And honestly? They have a point. Medals are not soft, and biting down hard on one could result in a cracked tooth. Ouch.
Has Anyone Ever Damaged a Medal Doing This?
Yes! There have been a few cases where the medal got scratched or dented because of over-enthusiastic biting. Even though it’s mostly silver, Olympic medals are valuable keepsakes—both emotionally and financially. Some athletes choose to be more careful with theirs.
Other Famous Medal Poses
While the bite is the most famous, Olympians have plenty of creative ways to celebrate their win:
- Kissing the medal
- Holding it over their heart
- Pointing to the sky
- Jumping with the medal around their neck
These personal touches help make each medal moment unique—and that’s part of the Olympic magic.
How the Tradition Became Global
What started as a trend in Western media quickly spread thanks to the internet, global coverage, and social media sharing.
- It’s now common in Summer and Winter Olympics
- Athletes from all continents and cultures join in, even those from countries with different customs
It’s a sign of how connected the Olympic Games are—and how one small action can turn into a worldwide tradition.
So… Will the Tradition Continue?
Probably. As long as the cameras are rolling and photographers keep requesting it, Olympians will likely keep on biting their medals—even if it’s just for fun.
But don’t be surprised if more athletes begin to question it. With growing awareness about dental safety and the uniqueness of each athlete’s personality, we might see new traditions emerge in the years ahead.
The Bottom Line: Why Do Olympians Bite Their Medals?
It’s not because they think it’s real gold.
It’s not because they’re hungry.
It’s because it’s tradition—and it looks great in pictures.
This Olympic ritual has become a symbol of victory, emotion, and personality all rolled into one bite. While the reasons might not be serious, the moment itself is unforgettable.
Quick Recap
- The bite is mostly for media photos, not for gold testing.
- Olympic gold medals are mostly silver, with a gold coating.
- Biting your medal can hurt your teeth—so some athletes skip it.
- The tradition became popular through photography, not history.
- It’s fun, it’s playful, and it’s part of Olympic culture now.
So next time you see an athlete bite their medal, you’ll know the story behind that shiny, joyful snap.
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