Olympic Standings 2012: Countries Sure to Rise as the London Games Continue

Although China and the United States have begun to distance themselves from the rest of the world's competition at the 2012 London Olympics this summer, there are a handful of nations who will rise significantly in the medal count before the Games are over.

With some of the most anticipated sports yet to begin, like track and field, and several more in the midst of their early stages, the Olympic standings are far from sorted out.

That being said, here are the countries sure to rise as the Summer Games continue.

Jamaica 

With the track and field events kicking off on Friday, August 3, the Jamaican Olympic team has traversed the early stages of the 2012 Games without a medal of any kind. That will all change soon, though, as the Jamaicans will send out world record holder Usain Bolt on to the track, as well as up-and-coming speedster Yohan Blake.

The island nation has 52 all-time Olympic track and field medals, including 13 gold medals. In 2008, Bolt won gold in both the men's 100- and 200-meter dashes in Beijing. Both Bolt and Blake will be the favorites in the men's 100-meter dash during the second week in London. In addition to the big names, the Jamaicans will also field a plethora of talent in the sport, on both the men's and women's side. 

Spain

Like Jamaica, Spain has yet to medal in London, and will be calling upon its men's basketball team to help get it on the podium after a surprising group stage exit for the men's soccer team. If there is team out there capable of topping the United States on the court, though, it is Spain, who boasts a wealth of NBA talent and an impressive front line.

Although there will be no Rafael Nadal to repeat as Olympic champion in men's tennis for Spain, the European nation still has plenty to look forward to in London. In addition to a likely podium spot for the men's basketball team, both the men's and women's water polo teams look poised to medal after strong starts early on in group play. 

Switzerland

After winning Wimbledon in dominant fashion earlier this summer, 17-time Grand Slam tennis champion Roger Federer looks primed to make another deep run at the All England Club, and ultimately land his home nation of Switzerland on the podium.

Federer has never won an Olympic gold in men's singles, but is still the favorite as the men's tournament continues in London. He will defend his doubles gold with teammate Stanislas Wawrinka.

Fed isn't alone in his quest to bring Switzerland some hardware this summer. Olympic gold medalist Fabian Cancellara will be shooting for a repeat in the men's cycling time trial. Nino Schurter and Christoph Sauser are two additional cyclists who will aiming for a podium finish in cycling for Switzerland this summer. 

2012 London Olympics Medal Standings as of 7:50 a.m. ET:

National	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
China	9	5	3	17
United States	5	7	5	17
Japan	1	4	6	11
Italy	2	4	2	8
France	3	1	3	7

*All Information Courtesy of NBCOlympics.com.

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