PHOTOS: Why are there so many pictures of Olympic athletes biting their medals?

There’s a peculiar trend taking place in Olympic photography. Time and time again, pictures of athletes biting down on their medals filling up blogs, newspaper and Twitter feeds.

It’s not just U.S. athletes who are sinking their teeth into bronze, silver or gold — Olympians from all over the world are captured in this very pose, which leaves us wondering: Why?

We genuinely don’t know why this is occurring. Perhaps it’s at the request of photographers, but again: Why?

Whatever the reason, it doesn’t look like Olympians are going to let up on the ol’ medal-chewing anytime soon. With about two more days before the closing ceremony, there are probably plenty more chomp photos to be taken.


Mmmm, victory. Nom nom nom nom…..

U.S. gymnasts McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross, Alexandra Raisman, Gabby Douglas and Jordyn Wieber after the artistic gymnastics women’s team final.

South Korean shooter Kim Jang-mi after the women’s 25-meter pistol final.

U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte and Brazil’s Thiago Pereira after the men’s 400m individual medley.

Oh Jin-hyek of South Korea after the men’s individual archery.

U.S. swimmer Matt Grevers after the men’s 100-meter backstroke.

Ilaria Salvatori, Arianna Errigo, Valentina Vezzali and Elisa Di Francisca of Italy after the women’s foil team fencing gold medal match.

Sanya Richards-Ross of the United States after the women’s 400m final.

Michael Tinsley of the U.S. and Felix Sanchez of Dominican Republic after the men’s 400-meter hurdles final.

U.S. shooter Jamie Lynn Gray after the women’s 50-meter rifle finals.

U.S. tennis player Serena Williams after the women’s singles gold medal match.

Russian synchronized swimmers Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina after the duets free routine final.