2012 Olympic Games: Predicting How Top of Medal Count Will Play Out

In 2008, China finished second in total medals as the host nation for the Summer Olympics. England won't have as much success as the host nation in 2012.

They simply don't have as many clear favorites in as many events as the most balanced countries in the world.

Taking a look at the 320 total medal events, I've predicted the countries that will sit atop the total medal count. The United States certainly figures to be a formidable presence in the medal count, but this will not be a runaway for any country.

It was a tough call in some cases because there are quite a few swing events, but here we go.

No. 5 Germany

Germany is strong in several events: Men's Javelin with Matthias De Zordo, and the Germans also have a strong Field Hockey team.

But one of the more interesting German athletes is 37-year-old gymnast, Oksana Chusovitina. She is 20 years older than a good percentage of her competition, and still one of the world's best vaulters.

I think she will capture gold in that event, and help land Germany in the top five in the medal count.

No. 4 Russia

The Russian Men's Wrestling team is a dominant bunch. The biggest and perhaps baddest of them all is Bilyal Makhov who competes at 120kg. He is a three-time gold medalist at the World Championships, and a solid favorite in London.

Russia could easily grab four or five gold medals from wrestling alone.

Compound that with solid showings in Men's Volleyball and other sports, and Russia will be among the Olympic powers. 

No. 3 Great Britain

Andy Murray couldn't knock-off Roger Federer at Wimbledon, but he only has to finish in the top three to medal. With the huge home-court advantage I believe he will.

He's been playing very well over the past four months and the crowd will be fiercely in his favor.

His medal will provide Great Britain with one of the swing events needed to finish in the top three. Another huge event for Great Britain will be the Men's Track and Field, 10000 meters.

Mo Farah is the UK's biggest hope, but he will be hotly contested by the Ethiopian trio of Ibrahim Jeilan, Kenenisa Bekel and Imane Merga. If Farah medals—or even wins gold—it will be a huge boost for his country in the medal count.

No. 2 China

China shines in so many events, and many of the carryovers from 2008 will return in London. Wu Jingbiao is a prohibitive favorite in weightlifting at 56kg.

The Chinese Female Gymnastics team has great athletes and favorites. Sui Lu is my pick to take the Gold Medal in women's floor exercise, and the Chinese women are strong overall in gymnastics.

Xi Zhang and Chen Xue are perhaps Misty May-Treanor and Kerrie Walsh-Jennings stiffest competition in beach volleyball.

China will be very strong, but not first in medal count.

No. 1 United States

The US are the clear favorites for gold in basketball on the men and women's side. LeBron James and Candace Parker will lead Team USA to gold medals. But the US is also the favorite in women's gymnastics and over 10 swimming events.

Some important swing events will be the 100 meters in men's track and field. If Tyson Gay can break medal that would add a boost to the American medal count.

Barring some stunning failures by clear American favorites, the United States should bring home more gold medals than any other country.