Usage patterns
メダルを取るto win a medal
He won a medal in swimming.
メダルを獲得するto earn/obtain a medal
Japan won many medals in this competition.
メダルを授与するto award a medal (to someone)
Medals were awarded to the athletes.
メダルを首にかけるto hang a medal around one's neck
The coach hung the medal around the athlete's neck.