What year marked the first Olympics with a three-medal format?

The three-medal format, which includes gold for first place, silver for second, and bronze for third, was first officially adopted during the 1904 Olympics held in St. Louis, USA. This marked a significant change from earlier events where medals were not consistently awarded in the same manner. Prior to this, competitions varied widely in how winners were recognized, often just with diplomas or other forms of acknowledgment without a standardized medal system. The introduction of the three-medal format provided a clear distinction for competitors, helping to establish a tradition that continues in modern Olympic Games. This innovation set the stage for how athletes are honored for their achievements in Olympic history.