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First will be last IOC votes to change order medals are awarded
Updated: Thursday July 12, 2001 11:33 AM
MOSCOW (AP) -- Changing a century-old tradition, the IOC agreed Friday to switch the order of awarding medals, with the champion getting the gold last rather than first. The change, meant to shine a brighter spotlight on the gold medalists, will take place on a test basis at the Salt Lake City Winter Games next year, then be reviewed to see if it's made permanent. The IOC also will fine-tune the system for ice hockey, where medals have been awarded over two days. All other aspects of the medals ceremony remain unchanged. The ruling executive board of the International Olympic Committee gave final approval to the plan, which had been proposed by Salt Lake Olympic organizing chief Mitt Romney. "I'm absolutely delighted," Romney said. "The inspiration for 3-2-1 came from the athletes. ... The executive board's confirmation makes it clear that the Olympics are for the athletes." The board voted 13-2 to award the bronze medal first, followed by silver and gold, the reverse of the order followed since the start of the modern games in 1896. Supporters such as Romney and speedskating champion Johann Olav Koss of Norway said having the champion cited last would be more electrifying for crowds and competitors. "It builds momentum and excitement," said Koss, a member of the IOC athletes' commission, which recommended the change. Under the traditional pattern, the gold medalist stood on the top of the podium alone, while silver and bronze medalists were then honored. Critics said it left the second- and third-best athletes as virtual afterthoughts. Now the champion will step up to the highest platform on the medals' podium after the bronze and silver medalists already have taken their spots. Romney said the new procedure "will fully celebrate the achievements of the bronze and silver medalists, while bringing a crescendo to the celebration for the gold medalist." Kevan Gosper, an IOC vice president from Australia and a relay medalist at the 1956 Games, said he was sorry to see the old order pass. "I'm a little old-fashioned," he said. "I like the idea that for 100 years, the only place an Olympic champion stood alone was on the gold-medal stand."
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