How to Display Sports Medals

How to Display Sports Medals: Our Guide to Custom Framing Your Achievements

Winning a sports medal is an incredible achievement, whether it's from a local fun run, a championship game, or a prestigious event like the Rottnest Channel Swim. But once the excitement settles, the question remains—how do you display sports medals in a way that truly honours the moment?

While some people keep their medals in a drawer or a shoebox, custom framing offers a far superior solution. It not only preserves the medal but also tells the full story of the accomplishment, showcasing your hard work and dedication.

At Portfolio Picture Framers, we specialise in custom sports memorabilia framing, creating beautiful displays that transform your sports achievements into timeless keepsakes. 

Whether you want to frame a single medal, an entire collection, or pair your medals with photos and memorabilia, we have expert solutions to make your display stand out.

Let’s explore some of the best ways we suggest to display sports medals using custom framing.

1. Framing a sports medal on its own

Sometimes, simplicity is key. If you have a single medal from a special event, framing it on its own can be a sleek and elegant way to showcase your achievement.

Key design elements for solo medal framing:

• A high-quality mat board that complements the medal’s colour.

• A deep-set shadow box frame to accommodate the medal’s depth.

• A secure mounting technique that ensures the medal remains undamaged and in place.

• High quality glass to protect against dust, moisture, and fading.

This approach is perfect for milestone achievements like finishing your first marathon, winning a championship, or receiving a prestigious award. It keeps the focus on the medal while maintaining a professional, timeless look.

2. Framing a medal with a plaque detailing the accomplishment

Want to add context to your display? Including a custom plaque with your framed medal is an excellent way to highlight the details of your achievement.

A plaque can feature:

• The event name and date.

• Your name or team name.

• Your finishing time or ranking.

• A personal message or quote.

For example, if you’ve completed the Rottnest Channel Swim, your plaque might read:

"Rottnest Channel Swim 2025 – 19.7km Solo Crossing – John Smith – Time: 6h 45m"

This type of framed display works well in home offices, sports clubs, or even corporate settings where recognition and achievements are celebrated.

3. Framing a sports medal with a team or individual photo

Pairing your sports medal with a photo of you or your team creates a powerful visual story. It captures the emotion of the moment—whether it's the triumphant finish line shot, a team huddle, or an action-packed mid-game moment.

Design considerations for including a photo with a medal:

• Photo placement: We can position the medal alongside or below the photo, ensuring balance and aesthetic appeal.

• Mat board coordination: Choosing colours that match your team’s uniform or event branding enhances the overall look.

• Custom cut-outs: We can incorporate cut-out shapes through ourcomputer mat cuttingto seamlessly fit the medal and photo together.

This style of framing is particularly popular for junior athletes, school sports teams, and club championships, as it captures both the physical medal and the emotional moment of the event.

4. Framing a medal with an action shot

For those who want to add a dynamic touch, an action photo can bring your framed display to life. Rather than just a posed team photo, an action shot captures you in the midst of your sport—running, swimming, kicking a goal, or crossing the finish line.

Why choose an action shot?

• It adds energy and movement to the display.

• It tells the story of the effort behind the medal.

• It’s a great way to relive the moment every time you look at it.

We often see this style used for triathlons, swimming events, and cycling races, where the journey is just as significant as the medal itself.

5. Framing medals with items worn during the event

For a truly unique and personal display, many athletes choose to frame their medals alongside items worn during the competition.

Popular sports memorabilia to include:

• Swimming caps– A favourite for Rottnest Channel Swim participants.

• Running bibs and race numbers – Great for marathons, fun runs, and triathlons.

• Jerseys or team shirts – Common for football, basketball, and netball players.

• Cycling gloves or caps – A fantastic option for endurance cyclists.

By framing these items, you preserve the full experience—the sweat, the determination, and the gear that carried you to victory. Our deep-set frames allow us to incorporate these elements beautifully while ensuring they are securely mounted for long-term preservation.

Gift idea:Do you have a golf fanatic in your life? Our hole-in-one frames are the ideal gift for any golfer. Check outour blog to read more about these uniquely personal gifts. 

6. Framing a medal with a jersey

If you’re an avid sports fan or a player yourself, framing a jersey with a medal creates an impressive display. This is particularly popular for team sports like football, basketball, and rugby.

How we frame jerseys with medals:

• We mount the jersey in a way that keeps it wrinkle-free and properly displayed.

• The medal is positioned either over the jersey or in a separate section of the frame.

• We can add a plaque with details about the game or season.

• Custom mat board colours can match your team colours for a cohesive look.

This is a fantastic choice for grand final victories, awards, or commemorating a special season.

7. Creating a multi-medal display

For those with multiple medals, a well-designed gallery-style frame is an excellent way to display them all in one place.

Options for multi-medal framing:

• A symmetrical arrangement with each medal evenly spaced.

• A timeline-style design that showcases medals earned over the years.

• A combination of medals, photos, and plaques to tell a complete story.

This is a perfect choice for marathon runners, triathletes, and lifelong sports enthusiasts who have a collection of achievements to showcase.

Why choose custom framing for your sports medals and memorabilia?

With so many DIY or off-the-shelf medal display options available, why choose custom framing? 

Here’s why it’s the best choice:

• Preservation – Medals, ribbons, and memorabilia are protected from dust, fading, and damage.

• Professional presentation – A custom-framed display looks sleek and polished, perfect for any space.

• Personalisation – Every frame is tailored to your unique style, achievement, and story.

• Long-lasting quality – We use archival materials to ensure your display remains in top condition for years.

At Portfolio Picture Framers, we specialise in framing sports memorabilia, ensuring that your medals are showcased with the respect they deserve. 

Whether you want a simple frame for a single medal or a large display incorporating multiple elements, we have the knowledge and expertise to create the perfect piece for you.

Ready to frame your achievements? 

Your sporting achievements deserve more than just a spot in a drawer. Whether it's a single medal, a framed jersey, or a collection of memorabilia, custom framing is the best way to honour your hard work and dedication.

Turn your sporting achievements into a piece of art—because every medal tells a story worth displaying. At Portfolio Picture Framers, we can help you design the perfect personalised sports display that you can proudly keep and display for many years to come. Contact our friendly team to get started.