Gold Haul at the Olympics

China scored a perfect 100. They showcased the best Olympics so far, and also scored in the sporting field. They had shown signs of taking over the sporting arena, since the split up of the erstwhile USSR into many smaller nations. In the period of cold war, the US and USSR had a competition about outscoring each other in the medal tally. The USSR lead the way many times, much to the accusation of the US, that it was not all through fair means. Today, China has taken the mantel from the old USSR.


It is important to realize that this sporting establishment that started by only supporting amateurs, today has become the most professionally managed sporting establishment. It requires consistent and long term planning of the state, corporate and willing individuals to put themselves through torture for many years to achieve the success they seek. No wonder, smaller nations, with priority in terms of daily bread etc, are not so appropriately represented in the medal table. Hmmmm!! That sounds like a nice refuge for countries like India to hide under.

I wasn't thinking of making history: Abhinav Bindra

Sure he did. Good that he wasnt thinking about it as he went for his shots. He has created history, by winning Gold in the olympics. The first ever by an Indian. And doing so, has quenched the thirst of a nation of 1 BILLION people.
Hopefully this is a start, and this wont be a flash in the pan. I dont mean more medals here in this olympics, but more medals and winnings in future olympics.

2008 Olympic Games

My prediction for the medal tally

1. China
2. US
   
3. Russia

And, Germany, South Korea, Australia, Japan sharing the next few positions.
All the best. Rake in the gold.

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