The two reasons why Olympic athletes bite into their medal after winning could surprise fans

Two theories have emerged as to why Olympic athletes bite into their medal after winning an event.

Olympians biting into their medal has become a staple of the Summer Games.

The likes of Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and Simone Biles, among many, many others, have taken part in the trend after taking to the podium.

The phenomenon has transcended the Olympics, with footballers biting their medals following their triumph. From Premier League to Champions League winners, with Jude Bellingham pictured taking a bite into his medal following last season's European success with Real Madrid.

Jude Bellingham bites into his medal after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid. Image: Getty

Athletes from around the world and sport stars across their respective disciplines have all participated in the iconic celebration.

But why do athletes bite their medals following a victory?

Well, David Wallechinsky, president of the International Society of Olympic Historians, spoke to CNN about the phenomenon and why athletes do it in the first place.

It's more of a gimmick that is asked of athletes once they've been handed the goods by officials.

"It’s become an obsession with the photographers," Wallechinsky said, back in 2012.

"I think they look at it as an iconic shot, as something that you can probably sell.

"I don’t think it’s something the athletes would probably do on their own."

Frank Farley, a professor from Temple University in Philadelphia and former president of the American Psychological Association, added: "Sports all have their eccentricities.

"If you want to be part of the winning zeitgeist, that winning culture, you participate in that winning practice.

"It makes your medal yours. It's an emotional connection with your accomplishment."

There's also a claim that because gold is softer than silver or bronze, one way to figure out whether your medal is genuine or not is to bite into it.

Should your teeth leave a mark or dent on the medal, then you'd know you have a authentic prize plastered in gold.