History of sports medals
The tradition of awarding medals in sports dates back to the first (fairly modern day) sports games in Athens in 1896. Initially, winners received silver medals and olive wreaths, while second-place finishers were given bronze medals. The gold, silver, and bronze medal system, as we know it, was introduced in the year 1904.
Through the years, the design and materials of sports medals have evolved. Early medals were relatively simple and often depicted classic symbols like laurel leaves or Greek gods. Today’s medals, however, incorporate unique elements from a host country’s culture and history. They are typically made from various materials, such as zinc alloy and stainless iron, providing durability.
Why are medals significant?
Medals play a significant role in sports for several reasons. They symbolize achievement and excellence, serving as tangible proof of an individual’s hard work and dedication. This recognition can boost an athlete’s self-esteem and motivate them to continue excelling.
Furthermore, medals help create lasting memories. They often become cherished keepsakes that athletes can look back on with pride. Customizable medals, in particular, add a personal touch, making the accomplishment even more special. Medals also foster a sense of community and camaraderie. When athletes earn medals, it can inspire others within their community or team to strive for similar success. This collective drive can enhance team spirit and overall performance.
Lastly, medals can have a broader cultural significance. They can embody the history and values of the event or organization, adding layers of meaning beyond the individual achievement.
How medals are made virtually
In the virtual world, creating a medal starts with the design, followed by defining the shape, size, and visual elements like logos and text. To enhance the user experience, users can add their names or event details, making each award unique. This personalizes the achievement among the winners. But the question remains, exactly how is a medal created with today’s technology?
Winning with robotics and additive manufacturing
Creating a sports medal can be done using virtual simulation. Take an inside look at the COSMYX micro factory from Global Industrie on the design of a great product with Solidworks and DELMIA Additive Manufacturing. Once the product is finished, a Fanuc robotic will pick up the part and put it in a box. All of this is possible thanks for DELMIA Robotics for simulation and programming of the robots and DELMIA Additive for programming in the 3D printers.
DELMIA and Solidworks exemplify the ease of makign medals. Checkout this partner video to see it in action!
DELMIA digital marketing expert, editor of the DELMIA blog, and a strategic marketer with a background in the manufacturing industry.