Apr 7th 2012 | from the print edition THE gold medals that will be awarded in London this year will be the biggest and heaviest handed out at any summer Olympics. At 400 grams (14 ounces), the equivalent of having a large tin of baked beans hanging round your neck, they will be more than twice as heavy as the average of the previous five games, and almost 17 times heavier than at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. On the other hand, the 1912 games were the last one where gold medals were made entirely of gold. Now they consist mainly of silver with a thin coat of gold. Winners in London are advised not to bite too hard on their medals, as they will have a gold content of only about 1.5%. [read the full article at http://www.economist.com/node/21552218]
I read that someone that won a gold medal let everyone who asked touch it. The Gold wore off. Maybe the Silver medal is 100mills over bronze?
Excerpt from Wiki: - First place: It is composed of 550 grams of silver (at least 9251000 grade) covered with 6 grams of pure gold (worth approximately $494). - Second place: It has the same composition as the first place medal without the gilding (worth approximately $260). - Third place: It is mostly copper with some tin and zinc (worth approximately $3). Despite claiming the heaviest Olympic medal, the 2010 Vancouver winter Olympic actually awards medals weighing 500-576g, more than the 2012 London's 375-400g http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_medal#Individual_design_details Source:wiki
Many times I have wondered what they were made of? Now I know. Ah what you learn on SS.. Regards Errol 43
But the officials get 'gold' all the way. It's a coin toss which is more corrupt Formula One racing or the Olympics circus.
I dont think it is fair.It should be pure gold! Why? As you probably know there is no price money involved with any place at the Olympics. The only contribution they get it is coming from their country if they placed in the first 6,if any. What they get for sure is RESPECT and FAME!
Maybe the Silver medal is German silver? I'd be all :lol: except the scammers surely are making money so I'm all
True, no medals or money at the ancient Olympics. Simply an olive branch wreath, glory and the respect and awe of their fellow man.
I don't think that is true.. the Aust Olympic Committee gives bonus payments to all 1st 2ns and 3rd place winners. Something like $10,000 for 1st... but I think it has gone up.
Imagine an Athlete at the Olympics, right before he is handed the Gold Medal, takes the microphone and hands it back to them saying he wants to be paid in the 1912 Stockholm Olympiad gold medals. that 'd be somethn !
Great article. Makes all the toil of competing to be your best for multi-million dollar corporations all the more hollow.
