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Why Do Athletes Bite Their Gold Medals? The Authentic Reason Explained

Ever noticed athletes biting their medals after a big win? It's more than a celebratory quirk—it's a time-honored test for authenticity.

Gold, being one of the softest metals used in medals, yields under tooth pressure. This simple bite reveals a slight tooth mark on genuine gold, distinguishing it from harder fakes or alloys—a practice rooted in gold trading history.

For athletes, the medal represents years of sacrifice and triumph beyond its material value. Yet, the dramatic bite endures, especially for photographers capturing those iconic victory shots.