Olympic Medal Tally 2012: Tightest Races Left in London

Some incredible battles have taken place in London this year, but some still remain.

Winning an Olympic gold medal is the pinnacle of many athletes’ careers, but there will always be other athletes who will try to take it away from them. Everyone shares the same dream and will do everything they can to achieve it.

Looking ahead to the remaining events, what follows offers a glimpse into some of the races that are too tight to call.

Men's 110m Hurdles

Liu Xiang of China took the gold in Athens in 2004, but his Olympic dream for this year was brought to an abrupt end when he injured his Achilles in the preliminary heats.

Of course, this opens up the field a little more, but calling the outcome doesn’t get any easier. Dayron Robles holds the world record, so he will be aiming for a time approaching that of his historical feat.

Jason Richardson and Aries Merritt of the USA will likely be the ones to push him hardest, but really it’s impossible to choose between the three of them.

USA vs. Jamaica

Usain Bolt is the key to Jamaica’s victory here; with the 100m gold medal already in his back pocket, he is on the lookout for a matching medal in the 200m.

Countryman Yohan Blake is his closest challenger here, so don’t expect an upset.

The women’s event is another matter.

Allyson Felix has the potential to dethrone Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica, and Felix has two fellow Americans chasing her all the way. Carmelita Jeter and Sanya Richards-Ross will both fancy their chances, so this could be a classic.

USA vs. China

It’s another USA battle here, this time with China.

Although the tussles between athletes across the events are pretty special—and the Olympic spirit values the occasion rather than the victory—when the Games is over there’s really only one thing on everyone’s mind.

The medal table acts as an “ultimate Olympic champion” of sorts, and the honor of finishing atop this table is unparalleled in the Olympics.

 Almost from the first event, the 2012 Olympics have been fought between China and the USA. The two categories considered the most important (gold medals and total medals) and have been close throughout the games.

China have edged ahead of the USA in both main categories, but there are still four days to go, so keep an eye on that table as the events count down.