gold prize; first-place award
Used in competitions, contests, and exhibitions for the top award. Can refer to a physical medal or the honor itself.
Our band won the gold prize at the choir competition.
Her painting won the gold prize at the competition.
I practice every day to win the gold award.
This work was awarded the gold prize at the competition.
His photograph was chosen for the gold prize.
The students practiced every day, aiming for the gold prize.
金メダル is specifically the gold medal awarded in sports or Olympic-style events, while 金賞 is used more broadly for contests such as art, music, or school competitions.
Compound of 金 (gold) and 賞 (prize, award).