In ancient Greece, winners were not awarded medals but rather an ornate wreath ( stephanos ), which became known as the "victor's crown". These prizes were symbolic of virtue, honor, and divine approval rather than material wealth.
The narrative highlights the central role of competition (the "thrill") in ensuring sport's prominence in the Greco-Roman world. The Victor's Crown: A History of Ancient Sport ...
: Victors received a crown of wild olive leaves ( kotinos ). In ancient Greece, winners were not awarded medals