A podium is a raised platform used to elevate a speaker, performer, or winner so they can be seen and heard more easily. Commonly found at events such as lectures, award ceremonies, sports competitions, and public speeches, a podium serves both practical and symbolic purposes. In sports, especially at the Olympics, the top three competitors stand on a tiered podium to receive their medals, with the highest platform reserved for the gold medalist. In academic or professional settings, a podium may support notes or a microphone for presenters. Its elevated position often conveys authority and importance, highlighting the person standing on it. Materials used for podiums vary, including wood, acrylic, and metal, depending on the setting. Beyond its physical form, the term "podium" is also metaphorically used to signify achievement or recognition, as in “making the podium,” meaning placing in the top three of a competition.