Summer Games Athens 2004 Medal
The main feature of the medals is the Greek character shown on both sides, since their basic side has been
changed for the first time since the 1928 Games in Amsterdam. This is of particular importance, as from now on
all Olympic medals will reflect the Greek character of the Games as regards both their origin and their revival.
On the medals awarded to Olympic athletes from 1928 until the 2000 Games in Sydney, goddess Nike was
seated, holding an ear of corn in one hand and a wreath in the other. Here, she flies into the stadium bringing
victory to the best athlete. The Organising Committee has chosen to show the Panathinaikos stadium, where the
Games were first renewed in 1896. On the obverse, the athlete’s discipline is also engraved.
The reverse side of the medal is composed of three elements: the eternal flame that was lit in Olympia and
travelled through the five continents by way of the 2004 Torch Relay; the opening lines of Pindar's Eighth Olympic
Ode composed in 460 BC to honour the victory of Alkimedon of Aegina in wrestling and the emblem of the 2004
Games in Athens.
Monday, May 17, 2004 11:30 AM |
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