Ranking in or at

Generally we use "in" when the sport is named. "At" more denotes the place or venue of the competition.

He came in 2nd place at the Arnold Classic Championship.
Seabiscuit won by a nose in/at the Kentucky Derby.
She won a gold medal in the Gymnastics competition at the 2004 Olympics.
She won three gold medals at the Olympics.

Thanks. But what do you mean by we use 'in' when the sport is named.

Also what would be the choice for these:

2nd place in/at arnold classic championships.

Won 2nd place in/at Mr Olympia.

Placed 1st in/at the championships.

Is either in or at possible for these examples, since they can be both a place and the name of the sport.

AnonymousThanks. But what do you mean by we use 'in' when the sport is named.Also what would be the choice for these:2nd place in/at arnold classic championships.Won 2nd place in/at Mr Olympia.Placed 1st in/at the championships.Is either in or at possible for these examples, since they can be both a place and the name of the sport.

She won first place in

Thank you very much. That was very helpful. The Arnold classic championships is the name of a bodybuilding competition. So I think as you said both would be possible.

I would use "at" since these seem to refer to specific events that have proper names. However, I think that an event that does not have a proper name, such as "the second trials of the Arnold Classic Championships" would take an "in." Thus "I won 2nd place in the second trials." Note also that all three words of "Arnold Classic Championships" are capitalized since it's a proper name.