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Home > Articles and Information on Lecterns and Podiums > What is a Podium? - Part 2
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Continued from page 1...
Melville Marks Robinson, a participant in the 1928 Olympics, was the organizer for the British Empire Games. He conceptualized the idea of the games as a miniature version of Olympics. He made sure that the oath was taken with the participants standing atop the podium. Subsequently the podium was also used as a platform for awards and recognition for the winners in their field of sport. The medals were however given at the end of the games.
Mr. Robinson had invited Baillet Latour to watch the oath proceedings. The latter was seated in the front row. As he watched the oath take place and the subsequent award presentation, he understood the significance of having a podium for felicitating the performers and winners. Barney believes without a trace of doubt, that Robinson was the person who actually initiated the idea of having a podium built during the British Empire Games. Since he was the organizer, he had his say over every aspect of the Games’ proceedings. Unfortunately. the records of the organizing committee were burnt in the fire in the late 1930s.
It is only in the line “it worked well last year” written by Baillet Latour in his research papers that one can understand that ‘last year’ clearly referred to the British Empire Games held in 1930. This is one line which clearly defines the pioneering role Robinson played in kick-starting the idea of a podium. Since ideas are rarely original and mostly inspired, Bailley worked on finding where Robinson got his inspiration from. This led Bailey to find information about the 1928 Olympic Games held in Amsterdam. Robinson who was the honorary manager of Canada's track and field team had received a medal as a tribute for his achievements in the games held in that year. There is a picture of Robinson receiving the commemorative medal with two athletes holding a flame and standing on what looks like a podium.
The picture and the subsequent “reporting” of Baillet Latour lead Mr. Barney to believe that Robinson got his inspiration and idea to devise a podium from the Olympics held at 1928. How many times have you heard people wrongly use phrases like "standing behind the podium"? The word podium has originated from the Greek word “podos” which means “foot.” There is another usage of the term podium which refers to a low wall used as a foundation to separate the seats from the arena in an amphitheater. In a classroom, the teacher’s desk serves as a podium raising the “status” of the teacher’s desk above the level of the student’s desk. Thus the phrase “behind the podium” is wrongly used because a speaker or a performer can be viewed only when he or she stands upon a podium not behind it!
All said and done, a podium is the best platform that you get to air your views. It is as mentioned in the start of the article, an instantly recognizable pedestal to showcase your talents and get awards in a grand manner as well!
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