China will emerge as the new overall Olympic champion when the final medal tally is counted in Beijing. Says who? Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University who predict that the host nation will win 46 gold medals during the Beijing Olympics.
From BBC: “China has set its stall out to become the number one nation in sport and to top the table in its host event,” Professor Simon Shibli told BBC Sport.
“We are forecasting China will win 46 gold medals, which probably exceeds most other people’s forecasts.”
Professor Shibli analysed past Olympic performances, China’s record in turning bronze and silver medals into gold ones, and recent success on the international stage to reach his conclusions.
“Its improvement from the Seoul Olympics in 1988 to second place and 32 gold medals in Athens is unprecedented,” said Professor Shibli.
“For most nations, it is a great achievement to hang on to what you already have.
“So for a nation to be continually improving – in the case of China to double its gold medals from 16 in Barcelona to 32 in Athens – is really quite unprecedented.”
Professor Shibli’s research actually indicated China would win 39 gold medals in Beijing, but his team felt home support would secure the host nation a further seven.
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