sports
Handle with care: why the iconic FA Cup is more than just a silver trophy
Wreathed with more than 150 years of hopes, dreams and drama, the FA Cup reflects sporting heritage and mystique
TL;DR
- The FA Cup trophy has undergone multiple iterations over its history, with the current version being the fifth.
- The trophy's physical design has evolved to be more robust, weighing 6.3kg and made of thicker silver to withstand extensive handling.
- Superstitions surrounding major sports trophies, like not touching them before winning, are common and contribute to their mystique.
- Other iconic trophies, such as the Stanley Cup and the Ashes urn, also possess a unique aura and are treated with great reverence, sometimes even with special protocols.
- The FA Cup's fragility and the care taken in its conservation have paradoxically enhanced its significance.