8 Medalists Reveal What Winning An Olympic Medal Really Feels Like

Millions of people have been glued to their screens watching endless competitions to see who will make the podium. Winning an Olympic or Paralympic medal is the pinnacle of an athlete's career—a moment defined by years of relentless training, sacrifice, and an unyielding drive to excel; mostly done away from the public’s watchful eyes. But what happens in those fleeting moments when the victory sinks in, and how do these athletes spend their first 24 hours as medalists? Eight Olympians and Paralympians reflect on the emotions that flooded their minds and the ways they celebrated their extraordinary achievements.

Carly Patterson (USA Gymnastics): A Dream Realized

Gymnast Carly Patterson's gold medal victory was a surreal experience, filled with disbelief and elation. “All of the years of hard work, failures, wins, loses, good days and bad days were kind of flashing through my mind and I was just thinking, Oh my gosh, is this real? You did it, you’re the best in the world!'" Patterson recalls.

The first hours were consumed by interviews, including a memorable one with Bob Costas, where exhaustion and excitement intertwined. Despite the victory, Patterson's focus quickly shifted to her next event. The morning after, she was back in training. “I put winning towards the back of my mind, reset and started focusing on beam finals.”

Lindsay Tarpley Snow (USA Soccer): A Dream Fulfilled

For soccer star Lindsay Tarpley Snow, winning the Olympic gold was a surreal culmination of a lifelong dream. "I felt joy, happiness, but also relief that all the preparation aligned with the outcome I had dreamed about for so long," Tarpley Snow shares. The celebration was filled with raw emotions, surrounded by teammates, family, and friends.

The after-party at the USA House was a highlight for Tarpley Snow, as it provided an authentic and unfiltered moment of joy. Being with those who had supported her from the start made the victory even more special.

Aaron Phipps (Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby): A Long-Awaited Triumph

Aaron Phipps, a Paralympic gold medalist in Tokyo who is competing in Paris, vividly recalls the thrill of finally winning after years of near-misses. "We always came fourth or fifth in every tournament," Phipps shares. But in Tokyo, they not only contended for a medal but won it all. The elation was beyond anything he could have imagined. “If you’ve never won anything and now you’ve won the gold medal, the feeling is incredible.”

Sleep eluded Phipps that night, as the reality of their victory set in. "I kept waking up every three hours thinking, 'We won. This is amazing.'" The team celebrated with champagne and beer, even amid the lockdown restrictions. Despite the exhaustion, to make a UK primetime interview, Phipps was camera ready at 4 AM in Tokyo, which added a touch of humor to the experience. "It was hilarious and amazing," he remembers.

Caryn Davies (USA Rowing): From Exhaustion to Elation

For rower Caryn Davies, winning Olympic gold in Beijing and again in London brought contrasting emotions. In Beijing, she was too exhausted to celebrate immediately. "It was several minutes before the excruciating pain in my legs and lungs subsided," Davies recalls. Once the pain faded, a feeling of warmth and contentment washed over her.

In London, the pressure to defend their title was immense, leading to a sense of relief more than anything else. "My first thought after crossing the line was, 'Thank goodness we didn’t screw it up!'" Davies shares. A surprising craving for Coca-Cola, driven by the omnipresent ads, added an amusing twist to her post-victory thoughts. A cherished memory from Beijing is when her brother lifted her onto his shoulders, running through the spectator area shouting “My sister just won gold!” That evening, she spent time with her family, reflecting on the journey and waking up the next morning still in awe of the gold medal on the nightstand beside her. “How I wish that feeling lasted! Sadly, it was gone after just a few days.”

Ismael Hernandez (Mexico Pentathlon): A Moment of National Pride

Olympic pentathlete Ismael Hernandez experienced a whirlwind of emotions when he realized he had won. "Exhilaration, pride, and relief" are the words he uses to describe that moment. “I remember holding the medal and feeling its weight, a tangible reminder of my hard work.” The victory was a testament to the years of hard work and sacrifice, not just by Hernandez but by everyone who supported him. "My first words after crossing the line: 'We did it.'"

The first 24 hours were filled with media interviews, celebrations with teammates, and sleepless excitement. “There was a profound sense of national pride, knowing that I had represented my country on the world's biggest stage and brought home a medal.” As the adrenaline gradually subsided, Hernandez found time to reflect on the significance of his achievement and ponder the next chapter in his life.

Joe Jacobi (USA Canoe/Slalom): An Unexpected Crown

For Joe Jacobi, the 1992 Olympic gold medalist in canoeing, the victory was an unexpected one. "Even 32 years later, the thought that keeps coming up for me is that we were not aiming to win," Jacobi reflects. Alongside his canoe partner, Scott Strausbaugh, the focus was on executing their game plan, and paddling to the best of their ability.

The realization of their victory brought an overwhelming adjustment. "It was like someone gives you a crown and a cape, and you're thinking, 'What do I do with this?'" Jacobi recalls. The first 24 hours were spent in La Seu d'Urgell, far from the hustle of Barcelona, decompressing and resting. The weight of the win led to introspection: "What does this mean for us? What does this mean for the sport? What does this mean for me?"

Michiel Bartman (Netherlands Rowing): The Sweetness of Success

Michiel Bartman, a three-time Olympic medalist, recalls the intensity of the race that led to his first gold in 1996. "We had such a dominant season that winning was the only option," Bartman reflects. But as they crossed the finish line, a mix of pain and joy overwhelmed him. Celebrations ensued as teammates and supporters swam out to meet them, and the Dutch Crown Prince, now King, was the first to embrace him.

The following 24 hours were a blur of interviews, celebrations at Holland House, and a release from the highly disciplined life of an athlete. It was a time to let loose and revel in the hard-earned victory.

Susan Katz (USA Wheelchair Basketball): A Celebration of Teamwork and Gratitude

For Paralympic gold medalist Susan Katz, the moment the buzzer sounded brought a surge of joy, pride, and overwhelming gratitude. Winning with her team made the victory even more special, as she reflected on the unwavering support system that had been with her throughout the highs and lows of her training and competition. Katz knew instantly that all the sacrifices and hard work had been worth it to achieve this lifelong goal.

The first 24 hours were spent basking in the victory with her family and teammates. After the medal ceremony, Katz had the chance to celebrate briefly with her family before returning to the Paralympic Village, where the festivities continued with her fellow Team USA athletes. The following day, the excitement carried into the Closing Ceremony, allowing her to fully enjoy the party and the culmination of an incredible journey.

A Universal Truth of Victory

Winning an Olympic or Paralympic medal is a one-of-a-kind experience, packed with intense emotions, deep reflections, and unforgettable all-night celebrations. Whether it's the sheer joy, the relief of seeing a lifelong dream come true, or those quiet moments of self-reflection, each athlete's journey highlights their resilience, dedication, and the profound impact of achieving greatness on the world's biggest stage.

By Dr. Ruth Gotian, Contributor