The winning athletes at the Beijing 2008 Olympics will be receiving unique medals. They were inspired from the ancient “bi” jade piece which is a flat disc with a circular hole in the centre. A dragon pattern was usually carved into the jade.
The medals for first and second place are actually made of pure silver but the champion’s medal is plated with gold.
On the front of the medal is the standard design prescribed by the International Olympic Committee. This is the winged goddess Nike and the Greek arena where the Olympics were first held.
The back of the medal is inlaid with jade with the Beijing Games’ emblem engraved in the centrepiece. This is the first time that jade has been used in the Olympic medals. In Chinese culture, jade represents virtue and honour.
The impressive ribbon is designed with a cloud pattern woven in the red.
The medal is presented to the winning athletes in a wooden lacquered box made by traditional Chinese techniques. The box is red and has a metal inlaid Olympic emblem in the centre of the lid.
Here’s how to make you own Olympic gold medal. Of course, your medal can also be in silver or bronze.
As these medals are about the size of a CD, use one to trace your circles.
Supplies:
Cardstock or foam sheet in any colour
Olive or jade green paper
Gold paper
Red ribbon that is long enough to go over your head once the ends are knotted together.
Glue
Scissors
Hole punch
Permanent black marker
Instructions:
1. Using the CD, cut out one circle from the cardstock or foam.
2. Cut two more circles from the gold paper. Glue one on the front and the other on the back of the cardstock or foam circle.
3. Cut a slightly smaller circle and centre it over the gold paper on one side. Glue it on. This will be the back of the medal.
4. Cut a smaller circle in gold for a medallion. Glue it in the centre on the side with the green paper.
5. Punch two side by side holes with the hole punch about 2 cm. from the edge of the circle.
6. On the red ribbon you can write”2008 Beijing Olympics”. Thread this ribbon through the holes punched in the medal.
7. Present it to yourself for outstanding work in making this craft!
Don’t forget to watch the Olympics medal presentations!
