Why in sports do we reward winners with cups?

 The practice of awarding cups in sports competitions traces its roots back to the times of ancient Greece. These vessels, however, were not initially used as symbols of victory - that honor was reserved for olive or laurea branches. Instead, cups were integral elements of ritual banquets, where they were passed around among participants in a celebration of shared camaraderie. 

In the 18th century, this Greek tradition of camaraderie was revived, finding a new home within the rituals of the British Methodist church. Despite this revival, it wasn't until the advent of modern sports in the century that followed that these cups began to symbolize sporting achievements. This shift in use and symbolism primarily took place in the United Kingdom, marking a significant evolution in the tradition.

Originally, these cups served a practical purpose, acting as containers for the prize money awarded to victors of these competitions. However, as time passed, their value transcended their original utility. Cups gradually transformed into coveted trophies, their worth lying not in the monetary reward they held, but in the honor and prestige they represented. They became symbols of triumph, shared glory, and almost sacred objects of desire among competitors.

A prime example of this evolution is the Hundred Guineas Cup, first presented in 1851. This trophy is awarded to the winners of the America's Cup, a highly esteemed sailing competition. This cup, much like the sporting tradition it represents, continues to be a sought-after prize among sailing enthusiasts today, validating the long-held tradition of awarding cups in sports competitions.