<P> Before the establishment of standard military awards, e.g., the Medal of Honor, it was common practice to have a medal specially created to provide national recognition for a significant military or naval victory or accomplishment . In the United States, Congress would enact a resolution asking the President to reward those responsible . The commanding officer would receive a gold medal and his officers silver medals . Other countries similarly honored their military and naval victors in a similar fashion . </P> <P> Medals have historically been given as prizes in various types of competitive activities, especially athletics . </P> <P> Traditionally, medals are made of the following metals: </P> <Ol> <Li> Gold (or another yellow metal, e.g., brass) </Li> <Li> Silver (or another grey metal, e.g., steel) </Li> <Li> Bronze </Li> </Ol>

What are the olympic medals made of this year