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10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

Is this an official military medal?

No, this is a sports award given by the International Olympic Committee. It is not a military honor for bravery or service in battle. However, many British soldiers and officers took time off from duty to compete and won this medal for their country.

What famous movie featured British runners from 1924?

The famous movie Chariots of Fire tells the true story of these athletes. It shares how British runners trained hard to win gold in Paris. This film even won an Academy Award for best picture.

Where were the 1924 Olympic Games held?

The 1924 Summer Olympics were held in Paris, France. Athletes from all over the world gathered there to compete in many different sports. The games were a big success and helped the Olympic movement grow in popularity.

Is the medal pure solid gold?

No, the Olympic gold medal is not made of pure gold. It is actually made of silver and covered with a thin layer of real gold. This has been the standard way to make these medals for a very long time.

Can a British soldier wear an Olympic medal on a military uniform?

No, a soldier cannot wear this sports medal on a military uniform. Military uniforms are only for medals earned through service or duty in the armed forces. An Olympic medal is a special sports prize, so it is kept separate from military honors.

Is this an official military medal?

No, this is a sports award given by the International Olympic Committee. It is not a military honor for bravery or service in battle. However, many British soldiers and officers took time off from duty to compete and won this medal for their country.

What famous movie featured British runners from 1924?

The famous movie Chariots of Fire tells the true story of these athletes. It shares how British runners trained hard to win gold in Paris. This film even won an Academy Award for best picture.

Where were the 1924 Olympic Games held?

The 1924 Summer Olympics were held in Paris, France. Athletes from all over the world gathered there to compete in many different sports. The games were a big success and helped the Olympic movement grow in popularity.

Is the medal pure solid gold?

No, the Olympic gold medal is not made of pure gold. It is actually made of silver and covered with a thin layer of real gold. This has been the standard way to make these medals for a very long time.

Can a British soldier wear an Olympic medal on a military uniform?

No, a soldier cannot wear this sports medal on a military uniform. Military uniforms are only for medals earned through service or duty in the armed forces. An Olympic medal is a special sports prize, so it is kept separate from military honors.

Home Library United KingdomOlympic Gold Medal (1924)

Merit decoration

Olympic Gold Medal (1924)

A premier international sports decoration awarded to the top championship finisher at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games.

United Kingdom Established 1924Precedence: Unranked in military order of wear; foreign sporting medals are not worn on military uniform.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for placing first in an official sporting competition during the VIII Olympiad in 1924.

Eligibility

Amateur athletes representing their home nations, including active military personnel selected for Olympic teams.

Precedence

Unranked in military order of wear; foreign sporting medals are not worn on military uniform.

Olympic Gold Medal (1924), Merit decoration, United Kingdom medal

History

The International Olympic Committee created this medal for the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris, France. It was not a military decoration, but several British service members competed and won it while serving in the armed forces.

This medal replaced previous Olympic designs, as host cities during this era created unique designs for each Olympic Games. The 1924 medal was designed by French sculptor Andre Rivaud, showing sports equipment on one side and a winner helping up a fallen competitor on the other.

Over the years, this competition became famous around the world, inspiring the Academy Award-winning film Chariots of Fire, which told the story of British runners competing in Paris that summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Veterans Who Received This Award

WWI

Victoria Cross Olympic Gold Medal (1924)

Philip Neame

Who Was the Only Person to Win Both a Victoria Cross and an Olympic Gold Medal?

Sir Philip Neame was a distinguished British officer who earned the Victoria Cross in World War I and later secured an Olympic gold medal in shooting.

British19 December 1914

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Sources

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