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How have the Olympic rings influenced the design of past Olympic medals?

Kori Scipsey

Well, butter my biscuits and call me a Olympian! The Olympic rings have had a massive impact on the design of past Olympic medals. From Athens 1896 to Tokyo 2021, those interlocking circles have become an iconic symbol of the Games, representing the unity of athletes from all corners of the world.

First things first, let's talk about what those five rings actually mean. Each one represents a different continent, with blue for Europe, yellow for Asia, black for Africa, green for Australia and Oceania, and red for the Americas. Together, they symbolize the coming together of athletes from across the globe for the greatest sporting event on earth. It's like the United Nations, but with more lycra.

So, how have these rings influenced the medals themselves? Well, for starters, they're often incorporated into the design. Take a look at the medals for the 2004 Athens Olympics, for example. The ring motif is stamped onto the center of the medal, surrounded by an intricate pattern inspired by ancient Greek pottery. It's like a little piece of history, blended with a modern symbol of unity.

Another way the Olympic rings have influenced medal design is through the use of color. Many medals feature a color scheme that echoes the hues of the rings, such as the gold and black of the Rio 2016 ones. Even the ribbons that hold the medals are often colored according to the rings. It's like fashion, but with even more bling.

But perhaps the most interesting way the Olympic rings have influenced medal design is through inspiring artists to think outside the box. Take the medals for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, for example. Designed by Josu Larrañaga, they feature an unusual cut-out design that almost looks like a sunburst. The rings themselves are there, but they're more abstract than usual. It shows that even the most recognizable symbols can be reimagined in fresh and exciting ways.

So there you have it, folks. The Olympic rings have had a huge impact on the design of past Olympic medals, from color schemes to cut-out designs. They're a symbol of unity, athleticism, and the spirit of competition. And who knows? Maybe one day they'll find a way to incorporate them into gold medals for spelling bees. One can only dream.