Okay so I just learnt that the 1904 Olympics were the first Olympics in which gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to olympians who got first second and third place. Before this, what were the first, second and third place olympians awarded? I mean in the modern olympics, NOT the ancient olympics (I am aware that in the ancient olympics, the champions were awarded an olive wreath.)

So what did the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Olympians get awarded before the medals were brought in?

Cheers

In 1896 "First place winners were awarded a silver medal, an olive branch and a diploma. Those in second place were given a copper medal, a branch of laurel and a diploma." - Athens 1896 Collection (http://www.olympic.org/content/Olympic-Games/All-Past-Olympic-Games/Summer/Athens-1896/Athens-1896-Collection/)