Anyone can check & verify awards on the internet. Whether you came in second or third probably would not be considered a material factor in a school’s decision unless, for example, only the top two finishers in a particular competition were assured of automatic admission on full scholarship to a certain school. But even then, the school’s negligence for not verifying would probably diminish any possible liability on your behalf.
If colleges & universities suspect that an applicant intentionally lied, then admission will be denied or rescinded if caught in a timely manner.
Recently a graduate of an elite boarding school explained away poor first year grades by intentionally misrepresenting an undiagnosed learning disorder. That person was not admitted to any college or university.