Pierre de Coubertin medal - Definition and Overview

The Pierre de Coubertin medal (also known as the De Coubertin medal or the True Spirit of Sportsmanship medal) is a special medal given by the International Olympic Committee to those athletes that demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship in Olympics events. The medal was named in honor of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games.

The Pierre de Coubertin medal is considered by many athletes and spectators to be the highest award that an Olympic athlete can receive, even greater than a gold medal. The International Olympic Committee considers it as its highest honour.

Quotations

“Winning is important in sports, but sometimes, good sportsmanship is more important.”

“It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game.”

“Nash didn't win because I gave him the bolt. He won because he had the fastest run.”

—Eugenio Monti when interviewed after giving a bolt from his own bobsled to his competitors, the British bobsled team, at the 1964 Winter Olympics. Monti was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for his sportmanship.

“You can melt down all the medals and cups I have and they wouldn't be a plating on the twenty-four kilates friendship that I felt for Lutz Long at that moment.”

—Jesse Owens after being advised by his competitor, Lutz Long, at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Long was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for his sportmanship.

Related topics

• List of Pierre de Coubertin medal recipients