The gold medal -- in the context of the Olympic Games (and others), is awarded to the first place contender for each individual event. This has spawned such phrases as "going for the gold" and "bring home the gold." Silver and bronze are the second and third place medals awarded. These three medals are analagous to the statuses of "win," "place," and "show" and the blue, red, and yellow ribbons awarded for other kinds of contests.