Olympic gold medal with the 5 Olympian rings engraved on it, hanging on a blue ribbon also with the rings
Witnessing an Olympian clinch a medal is a captivating moment. Years of intense training and unwavering dedication culminate in this recognition. But have you ever noticed that peculiar yet iconic gesture – Olympians biting their medals? It’s a common sight during photo opportunities, but Why Do Olympians Bite Their Medals? The answer is more nuanced than you might think, extending beyond a simple celebratory action.
The Historical Roots: Testing Metal Purity
The act of biting precious metals has historical origins rooted in practicality. In bygone eras, before sophisticated testing methods, people would use their teeth to assess the authenticity of gold and silver. Pure gold, silver, and even copper are relatively soft metals. Biting down on them could leave teeth marks, a sign of their purity. This rudimentary test was employed to distinguish genuine gold coins and artifacts from counterfeits. If a bite left no indentation, suspicion arose that the item might be gold-plated or composed of less valuable alloys. This historical practice offers a glimpse into why the biting motion might have initially emerged.
From Practicality to Playful Photo Op
However, the composition of modern Olympic medals clarifies that contemporary Olympians aren’t checking for metal purity. Today’s “gold” medals are primarily sterling silver with gold plating, while bronze medals are largely copper. The enduring trend of Olympians biting their medals has evolved beyond its historical purpose. It’s no longer about verifying authenticity but has transformed into a widely recognized and often humorous photo opportunity.
The medal bite has become an expected pose for photographers capturing the joy and triumph of Olympic victory. It’s a more dynamic and engaging image than a standard smile, injecting playfulness into the formal medal ceremony. Furthermore, the act of biting, even gently, can be interpreted as a display of strength and exuberance, perfectly encapsulating the powerful emotions of an Olympic champion.
A Word of Caution: Protect Your Pearly Whites!
While the Olympian medal bite is a celebrated tradition, it’s crucial to remember the context. These athletes are usually just gently posing, not actually applying forceful bites that could damage their teeth. Attempting to replicate this with hard objects can be detrimental to your dental health, potentially leading to chipped or fractured teeth. Modern material science offers numerous methods to assess hardness without risking dental injury, such as the Mohs Hardness Scale. And when it comes to oral habits, dentists universally advise against chewing on ice or other hard substances.
Maintaining strong and healthy teeth is essential for everyone, Olympian or not. Regular dental check-ups and diligent oral hygiene practices are the true gold medal habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles. While the why do Olympians bite their medals question leads us to an interesting historical and cultural exploration, let’s leave the medal biting to the professionals and focus on safe practices for our own dental well-being.
