It’s been an exhilarating year for sports across the world, in my own hometown – and even in my own home!
The Brisbane Lions won the AFL Premiership Cup, my favourite NBA team, the Celtics, won the NBA Finals, and of course there was a truckload of medals for the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams in Paris.
And in a very close encounter on Lady Elliott Island (one of my favourite places in the world) I had the privilege of holding the Melbourne Cup won by Prince of Penzance and Michelle Payne, the first – and only – female jockey to win the event.
What struck me amidst the whirlwind of celebrations is the potent symbolism of cups and trophies. They embody excellence, tradition and the pinnacle of achievement, a tangible symbol of success.
The Mysticism of Cups
Unveil a cup, and a hush falls over the room, quickly followed by a surge of awe. People queue for hours just to touch a trophy or capture a photo with it. Witness the FIFA World Cup’s global tour, or the AFL Cup’s journey across the nation, and you’ll see the unbridled ecstasy it ignites in communities. It’s pure joy!
This phenomenon has led me to ponder the profound significance of cups throughout history, their psychological impact, and their magnetic power. The superstitions surrounding them, their intricate designs, their composition and their evocative names all contribute to their mystique.
A Cup of History
The evolution of cups and trophies has been extraordinary, and it won’t surprise you to know the tradition dates back to ancient Greece. Victory was originally awarded in the form of laurel wreaths for chariot races and gladiator tournaments, but jars of wine and olive oil were also symbols of victory and valour. Modern-day cups are often still moulded in the Greek tradition, when the real prize was the wine or olive oil it contained.
In medieval times, jousting champions received trophies, chalices, weapons, or armour. The modern tradition of awarding medals for sports performance began at the 1896 Olympics, evolving into the trophies, cups, and plates we know today.
Today, some cups are large enough to fit a baby (as the AFLW girls have relayed to me), are as tall as a small tree, or as heavy as a small child. Some are made of solid gold and worth millions of dollars, while others are made of brass or plated gold, crystal or glass. Some, like the FIFA World Cup trophy, are so priceless they are never actually handed over, with winners being awarded the FIFA Winners’ Cup instead.
The Psychology and Superstitions of Cups
The allure of the cup extends beyond the thrill of victory. Winners and hopefuls alike engage in time-honoured traditions, from kissing and hoisting the trophy to drinking from the silverware. But there’s also a superstitious side to these interactions. Some athletes avoid touching the cup before competing, while others believe in holding onto it for as long as possible. Some even insist on wearing gloves to touch it. The NHL’s Stanley Cup even has a 24/7 bodyguard known as “The Keeper of the Cup”!
The psychology surrounding cups and trophies is fascinating. They serve as powerful external validators, influencing athlete motivation, self-esteem and dedication to excellence. A trophy is a physical reminder of success, memories and pride.
Once secured, a trophy can fuel further success by supporting athlete confidence to win again, and the pride and confidence can resonate beyond the athletes themselves, inspiring supporters and the wider community.
Trophy on Tour: Symbolism, Tradition and Trophy Tourism
The journey of a trophy doesn’t end with the final whistle – the cup needs to travel home. In a tradition steeped in symbolism and pride, the cup often embarks on a journey of its own, connecting with supporters, athletes, staff and community.
Some cups find their home under glass cabinets in the foyers of professional sports clubs and boardrooms, while others gather dust on shelves, or sadly, even lost or stolen.
The fervour of these tours is undeniable. Sometimes they precede the event, other times they travel on a celebratory tour once the cup has been secured. Either way, the magnetism is real.
The Melbourne Cup, for instance, travels throughout Australia and even overseas before the big race. The $20million FIFA World Cup trophy tours the globe every four years under tight security, a lesson learned after the repeated theft of its predecessor, the Jules Rimet Trophy. The last citing was in 1983 prior to it being stolen from the permanent holder, three times World Cup winner, Brazil, in 1970. The new World Cup trophy now remains with FIFA and is only brought out for the global tour and celebration on the field and in the rooms. And of course, it’s gloves on to touch the cup, unless you’re a FIFA official, a head of state or a winning team.
Iconic Cups and Trophies
- The FIFA World Cup: Made of 18-carat gold and weighing 6.1 kg, this trophy embarks on a global tour, visiting all 32 qualifying nations.
- The Wimbledon Trophy: First awarded in 1887 to the men’s singles champion, with the women’s singles champion receiving the sterling silver Venus Rosewater Dish, first presented in 1886.
- The Stanley Cup: One of the oldest and tallest trophies, the NHL’s Stanley Cup is steeped in tradition.
- The Ashes Urn: Possibly the strangest trophy is the unique 10.5 cm Ashes Urn which is said to contain the ashes of a burnt cricket bail. Symbolising the rivalry between the English and Australian cricket teams, the urn’s origins stem from a mock obituary and a promise to return the ashes of English cricket.
- The Claret Jug: Golf’s iconic trophy, awarded since 1872, comes with the tradition of the victor drinking from it.
- The America’s Cup: The oldest active trophy in the world, the America’s Cup dates back to 1851.
These cups and trophies are not just fancy metal, but vessels of love and lore and underpin the very culture and traditions of these sports.
Personal Reflections
This brings me back to this year’s AFL Premiership Cup and the brilliant 24 hours I had with it in our hometown. It was extraordinary to see the joy it brings to people. Even those who aren’t the type to take selfies were suddenly clambering to take a photo of themselves with the cup. Others wanted to touch it or hoist it, claiming a piece of their own victory as a fan. And friends and colleagues who weren’t even AFL followers were caught up in the cup excitement, simply relishing in the joy of a win for their city.
There was even a sense of awe from the family when the treasured AFL Cup spent an evening on our dining room table.
About the Author
Professor Sarah Kelly, renowned for her global academic, leadership and governance expertise across education and sports management, drives forward-thinking initiatives to the world stage. A distinguished ‘prac-academic’, commercial lawyer and champion for inclusivity, Sarah leads with innovation and insight. For exclusive updates on the latest in sport, management, leadership, education, innovation, and research, subscribe at DrSarahKelly.com.au