gold medal

/ˈɡoʊld ˈmedl/

Meaning

A gold medal is an award given to the winner of a sports competition, most famously at the Olympic Games. It represents first place.

Examples

  • She trained for four years to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

    She trained for four years to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

  • The runner proudly wore his gold medal during the national anthem.

    The runner proudly wore his gold medal during the national anthem.

  • Winning a gold medal is the highest achievement for any professional athlete.

    Winning a gold medal is the highest achievement for any professional athlete.

  • Our country's swimming team won a gold medal in the relay race.

    Our country's swimming team won a gold medal in the relay race.

  • He missed the gold medal by just a fraction of a second.

    He missed the gold medal by just a fraction of a second.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ He won the golden medal.

    ✓ He won the gold medal.

    While 'golden' is an adjective, the standard term for sports awards is always 'gold medal'.

  • ✗ She got a first place medal.

    ✓ She won a gold medal.

    While 'first place medal' is understandable, 'gold medal' is the natural and universal term used in competitions.

Related Expressions

first placeOlympic goldchampionship medal

Practice

  • The athlete stood on the podium to receive her ___.

    💡 The prize for winning first place.

    Show answer

    gold medal

  • They are hoping to bring home a ___ from the championship.

    💡 The highest prize in a sporting event.

    Show answer

    gold medal