The tradition of awarding sporting events is well recorded throughout history. Our children grow up idolizing award winning athletes, but why do we give awards? The history of sporting awards is a long and rich one that dates back many centuries.

The tradition of awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals to athletes dates back to ancient Greece, where the Olympic Games originated. In the ancient Olympics, there were no medals, but winners were awarded an olive wreath or crown, which was considered a great honor. Read on to find out when the Gold medal was invented.