At the Olympic Games, what did you give to the champion and the third runner-up other than the laurel? What did they mean?

In the Olympic Games, apart from the olive branch (not laurel), the third runner-up in the championship also has flowers and Olympic mascots.

As the spirit of the ancient Olympic Games and the symbol of the Olympic spirit, the olive branch has profound implications and far-reaching influence. The ancient Greeks believed that the olive tree was brought to the world by Athena, the patron saint of Athens, and it was a symbol of peace and happiness given to mankind by God. Therefore, the olive crown woven by the olive branch is the most sacred prize, and getting it is the highest honor. It is said that the olive branch used to weave laurel must be cut from the sacred tree by children whose parents are alive 12 years old, and then carefully compiled.

Sending an olive branch to a champion athlete is a form of the ancient Olympic Games, which is equivalent to a modern gold medal. As the 2004 Olympic Games returned to their hometown, the organizing committee decided to send an olive branch to the champion, in order to reproduce the elegance of the ancient Olympic Games.

Except for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, no other Olympic Games extended an olive branch to the champion.

Flowers are a tribute to the winner.

As for the mascot of the Olympic Games, it is a souvenir.