Medal tally Olympics

2024 - 8 - 5

Why Counting Medals is Like Counting Your Biscuits – More Fun than you Think!

Athlete Stories - Gold Medals - Medal Count - Olympics - Sportsmanship

Is there a better way to view Olympic glory than just a medal count? Dive into the cheeky side of competition!

As the world gears up for the Paris Olympics, millions will focus on that ubiquitous medal tally – you know the one: gold, silver, and bronze shimmering up like the stars in the night sky. But let's take a moment to ponder – is there a better way to rank Olympic success than just counting shiny hardware? Sure, winning a gold medal sounds glorious, but the true essence of competition often gets lost in this age-old metric.

Typically, the gold medal count determines supremacy in the Olympic arena. However, one could argue that such a narrow perspective often sidelines athletes who may not fetch the golden glory but nonetheless break records, push boundaries, or inspire millions. Imagine focusing instead on the number of athletes participating, countries represented, or the breadth of sports included. Perhaps instead of just polishing the medals, we should also celebrate the stories behind every athlete and every jump, dive, or sprint – the effort that led them to the Olympic stage, regardless of whether they’re taking home a medal or the pride of personal bests.

Watching the Olympics is about reveling in the spirit of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and raw determination. Who knew? Counting medals is like counting the biscuits in a jar; each one has its unique flavor, and sometimes it’s more satisfying to savor the moments rather than just the numbers! Let’s face it – while we’re all biting our nails for the gold, it’s arguably just as thrilling to witness an underdog break their personal record, or a long-shot team take on an undefeated favorite. It’s these heart-stopping moments that truly epitomize the Olympic spirit!

As we anticipate the excitement in Paris, let’s remember that whether our country shines, or we cheer for that lone athlete making history, the journey and the stories are what make the Olympics unforgettable. Speaking of unforgettable: Did you know that the first modern Olympics in 1896 held only 43 events? Fast forward to Tokyo 2020, and we had over 300! It’s a testament to how far sports have come and the inspiring talent from diverse backgrounds that grace the Olympics each time. So this year, let’s not just keep an eye on the gold but also rejoice in every heartwarming and exhilarating Olympic journey!

Post cover
Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Is there a better way to rank Olympic success than a medal table? (RNZ)

Wherever you're watching the Paris Olympics, you'll have seen the medal count. It's the same almost everywhere: the country with the most gold medals wins, with ...

Explore the last week