Why did winners from ancient Olympics get olive branches?

Answer 1

A crown of leaves, known as a laurel wreath, were given to the winners of the Olympic games because of their association with Apollo. He is often represented wearing a laurel wreath around his head.

Answer 2

In the ancient Olympic Games only the first was considered as winner and he was granted the "Κότινος" Kotinos a wreath of olive to crown him.

Their names were written in the book of Olympic Games Winners, they were respected by all cities/ states and the city/ state they were citizens provided part of their expenses some times for a life time.

It was a great honour to be a winner and one of their privilege was to ride by the side of the King or the General at the battle field when at war.

Answer 3

for that asking that question i consider you stupid