Why does boxing offer four medals at Olympics?

Boxing has been a part of every Summer Olympics since its introduction to the program in 1904.

In most Olympic sports, athletes compete for three medals: gold, silver and bronze. However, boxing stands out by awarding four medals in each weight category. This unique practice has an interesting history and practical reasons behind it.

The tradition of awarding four medals in Olympic boxing began in 1970, but its roots go back to the 1952 Helsinki Games. Until then, boxing tournaments followed a single-elimination format, with only one bronze medal awarded to the winner of a match between the two semi-final losers.

In 1970, the International Boxing Association (IBA), acting on a recommendation from the Finnish Boxing Association, proposed a significant change to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They suggested awarding two bronze medals to both losing semi-finalists instead of organizing a third-place match.

The IOC accepted this proposal, recognizing its fairness and potential to boost athlete morale. As a result, all 10 semi-finalists from the 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games were awarded bronze medals at a special ceremony held in 1970.

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But why does boxing need this system? There are several reasons:

Safety Concerns

Boxing is a physically demanding sport with a high risk of injury. By awarding bronze medals to both semi-finalists, boxers are spared an additional tough match that could lead to unnecessary harm.

Fairness

In other combat sports, losing semi-finalists often compete in repechage rounds for a chance at bronze. Boxing’s four-medal system achieves a similar result without extra matches.

Recognition of achievement

Reaching the Olympic semi-finals in boxing is a significant accomplishment. The four-medal system ensures that all athletes who make it this far receive proper recognition for their efforts.

Time Constraints

Olympic schedules are tight and this system helps manage the tournament more efficiently by eliminating the need for an extra bronze medal match.

Today, the four-medal system in Olympic boxing is widely accepted and appreciated.

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