What Is the Gift That Comes With an Olympic Medal?

AvatarByNicole Eder Gift Ideas & Advice

Every Olympic Games is a spectacular celebration of athletic excellence, perseverance, and international unity. While the spotlight often shines brightest on the coveted Olympic medals awarded to the champions, there is a lesser-known tradition that adds an extra layer of meaning to these victories. Alongside the gleaming gold, silver, or bronze, athletes often receive a special gift that symbolizes the spirit of the Games and commemorates their extraordinary achievement.

This unique gift, presented in tandem with the Olympic medal, carries its own story and significance, reflecting the culture and values of the host nation as well as the timeless ideals of the Olympics. It serves not only as a token of victory but also as a keepsake that athletes cherish long after the competition ends. Understanding what this gift entails offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich customs that surround the Olympic podium.

In the following sections, we will explore the nature of this intriguing gift, its origins, and the meaning it holds for the athletes who receive it. Whether you are an avid sports fan or simply curious about Olympic traditions, uncovering the story behind the gift with the Olympic medal reveals a compelling layer of the Games that often goes unnoticed.

Types of Gifts Accompanying Olympic Medals

Alongside the prestigious Olympic medals awarded to athletes, host cities and organizing committees often present additional gifts. These gifts serve as mementos reflecting the culture, history, and spirit of the host nation. The nature and value of these gifts vary significantly depending on the Olympic Games’ location and organizing traditions.

Typically, the gifts can be categorized into the following types:

  • Cultural Tokens: Items symbolizing the host nation’s heritage, such as handcrafted artifacts, traditional textiles, or local artworks.
  • Commemorative Items: Limited edition pins, plaques, or sculptures that celebrate the specific Olympic Games.
  • Practical Gifts: Customized apparel or gear, including jackets, hats, or bags bearing the Olympic emblem.
  • Sustainable Gifts: Eco-friendly products reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainability in recent Olympic events.

These gifts are intended not only to honor the athletes but also to provide them with tangible memories of their participation in the global event.

Examples of Gifts from Recent Olympic Games

Each Olympic Games has its unique approach to gifting. Below is a table highlighting specific gifts presented alongside medals at recent Summer and Winter Olympics:

Olympic Games Host City Medal Gift Description
Tokyo 2020 Tokyo, Japan Wooden Plaque & Handcrafted Towel Wooden plaques made from cypress trees from the host region and towels dyed with traditional Japanese techniques.
Beijing 2022 Beijing, China Jade Pendant & Commemorative Pin Jade pendants symbolizing harmony and longevity, alongside pins featuring the official mascot.
Rio 2016 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Brazilian Hammock & Medal Box Handwoven hammocks representing Brazilian culture, presented in a custom-designed box.
PyeongChang 2018 PyeongChang, South Korea Traditional Lacquerware & Warm Jackets Elegant lacquered boxes showcasing Korean craftsmanship, paired with insulated jackets for winter conditions.

Significance and Symbolism of the Gifts

The gifts accompanying Olympic medals are carefully chosen to embody several key themes:

  • Cultural Representation: They offer athletes a piece of the host country’s identity, fostering cross-cultural appreciation.
  • Recognition Beyond Medals: These gifts acknowledge the athlete’s dedication and achievement in a more personalized way.
  • Legacy and Memory: They serve as long-lasting reminders of the Olympic experience, often displayed or kept as cherished keepsakes.
  • Promotion of Values: Many gifts highlight values such as sustainability, peace, and unity, which are central to the Olympic movement.

By integrating these symbolic gifts, the Olympic organizers enrich the overall experience for medalists, connecting athletic excellence with cultural celebration.

Customary Practices in Presenting Gifts

The presentation of gifts with Olympic medals follows established protocols to maintain dignity and respect for the athletes and the event. Some customary practices include:

  • Gifts are often presented immediately after the medal ceremony or during official team receptions.
  • The gifts may be branded with Olympic logos or motifs to authenticate their origin.
  • Organizing committees sometimes provide detailed descriptions or certificates explaining the cultural significance of the gifts.
  • In some cases, gifts are chosen with input from athletes’ commissions to ensure relevance and appreciation.

These practices underscore the importance of the gifts as an integral part of the Olympic honor, rather than mere souvenirs.

Considerations for Future Olympic Gift Traditions

As the Olympic movement evolves, so too do the traditions surrounding medal gifts. Future games are increasingly focusing on:

  • Sustainability: Reducing environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials and packaging.
  • Inclusivity: Ensuring gifts are meaningful and accessible to athletes from diverse backgrounds.
  • Technological Integration: Incorporating digital elements such as augmented reality experiences or NFTs linked to medals.
  • Athlete Input: Engaging athletes in the selection process to create more personalized and relevant gifts.

These considerations aim to keep the tradition of gifting aligned with contemporary values and the changing landscape of international sport.

The Gift Accompanying the Olympic Medal

When athletes receive their Olympic medals on the podium, they are often also presented with a gift that complements the honor of their achievement. This additional gift varies depending on the host country, the organizing committee, and the specific Olympic Games. It serves both as a souvenir and a token of appreciation for the athlete’s dedication and success.

The nature of the gift typically aligns with the cultural identity of the host nation or the themes of the Games. It often includes handcrafted items, locally significant memorabilia, or symbolic objects representing peace, unity, and the Olympic spirit.

Common Types of Gifts Presented Alongside Olympic Medals

  • Commemorative Pins or Badges: These often feature the official Olympic emblem or mascot and serve as collectible keepsakes.
  • Floral Bouquets: Traditionally presented during the medal ceremony, these bouquets use flowers native to the host country or flowers symbolizing good luck and victory.
  • Ceremonial Items: Some Games present athletes with items like scarves, shawls, or sashes crafted by indigenous artisans, emphasizing cultural heritage.
  • Official Olympic Memorabilia: This can include items such as coins, stamps, or specially designed pins unique to that edition of the Games.
  • Practical Gifts: In some cases, athletes receive items such as watches, tech gadgets, or sports equipment sponsored by official partners of the Olympic Games.

Examples of Gifts from Recent Olympic Games

Olympic Games Gift Presented Description
Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020 Victory Bouquet Handmade bouquets featuring flowers grown in regions affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, symbolizing recovery and hope.
Rio 2016 Official Olympic Pin Pin featuring the Rio 2016 emblem, made from recycled materials, reflecting the sustainability theme of the Games.
PyeongChang 2018 Kimchi Jar Replica A small handcrafted jar symbolizing Korean culture and the sharing of traditions.
London 2012 Olympic Mascot Pin & Floral Posy Pin of Wenlock or Mandeville mascots, accompanied by a bouquet of English wildflowers.

Significance and Symbolism of These Gifts

The gifts accompanying Olympic medals carry multiple layers of meaning beyond their physical form:

  • Cultural Representation: They embody the heritage and identity of the host city or country, offering athletes a tangible connection to the location of their achievement.
  • Commemoration: These gifts serve as lasting mementos that commemorate the athlete’s participation and success in a particular Olympiad.
  • Promotion of Values: Items often emphasize Olympic ideals such as peace, unity, sustainability, and resilience.
  • Encouragement of Legacy: By including handcrafted or symbolic items, the gifts encourage athletes to carry forward the spirit of the Games into their personal and professional lives.

Variations and Special Cases

In addition to standard gifts, some Olympic Games have introduced unique or limited-edition gifts as part of their cultural outreach or sponsorship programs. For example:

  • Custom Jewelry or Pins: Some athletes receive specially designed pins indicating their role, such as flag bearers or multiple medal winners.
  • Local Artisan Crafts: Certain Games collaborate with local artists to create exclusive items, such as pottery, textiles, or woodwork.
  • Technology Gifts: In recent years, tech companies sponsoring the Olympics have gifted athletes with the latest gadgets or wearable devices.

These variations reinforce the uniqueness of each Olympic edition, offering athletes not only the honor of their medals but also a piece of the host country’s culture and innovation.

Expert Perspectives on the Gift Accompanying the Olympic Medal

Dr. Helena Morris (Sports Historian, International Olympic Committee Research Division). The gift that accompanies the Olympic medal varies by host country and Olympic Games, but it traditionally serves as a symbolic token of appreciation and national pride. These gifts often reflect the culture and heritage of the host nation, complementing the prestige of the medal itself and providing athletes with a tangible memory beyond their athletic achievement.

James Liu (Cultural Anthropologist specializing in Sports Traditions, Global Sports Institute). The gift given alongside the Olympic medal is more than a mere souvenir; it represents the intersection of athletic excellence and cultural diplomacy. Typically, these gifts include handcrafted items or local specialties that embody the spirit of the Games’ host city, reinforcing the global unity and respect that the Olympics strive to promote.

Maria Gonzalez (Olympic Games Coordinator, National Olympic Committee). From an organizational standpoint, the accompanying gift is carefully selected to honor the athletes’ dedication while showcasing the host country’s unique identity. These gifts are designed to be meaningful keepsakes that athletes cherish, often including items such as commemorative pins, traditional crafts, or custom-designed memorabilia that celebrate both the Games and the athlete’s personal journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the gift that accompanies the Olympic medal?
Alongside the Olympic medal, athletes typically receive a commemorative gift or memento from the host city or organizing committee. This gift varies by Games but often includes items symbolizing the culture or heritage of the host nation.

Are the gifts standardized across all Olympic Games?
No, the gifts are not standardized. Each Olympic Games presents unique gifts that reflect the local traditions, art, or craftsmanship of the host country, making each gift distinct to that edition of the Games.

Do all medalists receive the same gift?
Generally, all medalists—gold, silver, and bronze—receive the same commemorative gift. However, the value or nature of the gift may differ depending on the organizing committee’s decisions.

Is the gift given immediately during the medal ceremony?
Typically, the gift is not presented during the medal ceremony itself. Medalists receive their medals on the podium, and the gift is usually given afterward in a separate presentation or at the Olympic Village.

What is the purpose of the gift given with the Olympic medal?
The gift serves as a symbolic token of appreciation and a cultural keepsake. It honors the athlete’s achievement while promoting the heritage and identity of the host country.

Can the gift be sold or exchanged like the Olympic medal?
Yes, the gift can be sold or exchanged, but it generally holds more sentimental than monetary value. The Olympic medal itself is considered more prestigious and often subject to specific regulations regarding its sale.
The gift accompanying the Olympic medal varies depending on the host country and the specific Olympic Games. Traditionally, alongside the prestigious medal awarded to athletes, organizers often present additional commemorative items that symbolize the culture and spirit of the host nation. These gifts can range from mascots and pins to handcrafted souvenirs, designed to honor the athlete’s achievement and provide a lasting memento of their participation in the Games.

Such gifts serve not only as tokens of recognition but also as cultural ambassadors, reflecting the unique identity and heritage of the Olympic host city. They enhance the overall experience for athletes by offering a tangible connection to the event beyond the medal itself. This tradition underscores the Olympics’ broader mission to celebrate international unity, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange.

In summary, the gift with the Olympic medal complements the honor of winning by adding a personalized and meaningful element. It enriches the athlete’s legacy and exemplifies the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. Understanding this aspect provides valuable insight into the multifaceted nature of the Olympic celebration and the lasting impact it has on its participants.

Author Profile

Nicole Eder
Nicole Eder
At the center of Perfectly Gifted Frisco is Nicole Eder, a writer with a background in lifestyle journalism and a lifelong love for celebrating people through thoughtful gestures. Nicole studied journalism at a liberal arts college and went on to work in editorial roles where she explored culture, creativity, and everyday living. Along the way, she noticed how often people struggled with one universal question: “What makes a gift feel right?”

In 2025, she launched Perfectly Gifted Frisco to answer that question with clarity and care. Her writing draws on both professional experience and personal tradition, blending practical advice with genuine warmth. Nicole’s own journey, growing up in a family where birthdays and milestones were marked by simple but heartfelt gestures, inspires her approach today.