A small metal disc given as an award or commemorative item, used in sports, competitions, and honors.
He won a medal in swimming.
He won a gold medal at the Olympics.
This medal is a war memento from my grandfather.
Japan won many medals in this competition.
Medals were awarded to the athletes.
The coach hung the medal around the athlete's neck.
メダル is the modern loanword used for sports and award medals, while 牌 is a more literary/formal term for a medal-like plaque or badge.
counter for thin, flat objects; sheet; plate; coin · serving of soba; portion of gyōza · sumo rank position; wrestler at a given rank · field; rice paddy plot · palanquin bearer
Loanword from English 'medal'.