What Olympic medal winners get in the box during victory ceremony could surprise fans

Representing your country and winning a medal at the Olympics is the ultimate honour but that isn't the only memento you leave with.

With the games in Paris well under way now, Japan and Australia lead the rankings when it comes to gold medals - with both tied on four.

The United States are at the top in terms of overall medals - made up of three golds, six silvers and three bronze.

We've seen plenty of athletes in ecstasy on the podiums, proudly showing off medals that they worked tirelessly for.

But medalists have also been seen holding a mysterious 40cm gold box given to them by members of the International Olympic Committee as national anthems play in the post-event ceremony.

Many people have found themselves wondering what exactly is in the box but the answer has now been disclosed.

According to the official Olympics website, athletes get given the official Olympic poster for the Paris showpiece as a special souvenir.

Image: Getty

French artist Ugo Gattoni was responsible for the cartoon design this year and is believed to have spent around 2,000 hours putting it together.

It makes for a great keepsake but that is not the only item successful athletes are handed.

When they exit the podium and the ceremony is wrapped up, medalists receive a special mini mascot - complete with a gold, silver or bronze medal in the middle of their stomach depending on their achievement.

They have been made at the Doudou & Compagnie factory in La Guerche-de-Bretagne and fans are able to buy them online in different sizes.

Image: Getty

For the Paralympics, the approach will be tweaked a tad. Athletes will get the mascot given to them as part of the winners' ceremony and the word "Bravo" will be written in Braille on the back of the toy.