Olympic Medal Tally 2012: Where Team USA and Other Top Countries Rank

Another four years and the same story still presents itself.  

The United States and China are on top of the 2012 Summer Olympics medal standings to the surprise of few. They have dominated in years past and these Games are no different.

There haven't been too many big surprises, but some countries are performing better than expected. 

Here is where the United States and other top countries rank as of now. 

Olympic Medal Tracker
	United States Total: 82	34	23	25
	China Total: 77	36	22	19
	Russia Total: 53	11	19	23
	Great Britain Total: 48	22	13	13
	Germany Total: 34	9	15	10

USA (82 medals)

What is better to achieve in the Olympics for a country; most gold medals or most medals total? That's the question I ask myself when thinking about the value of each.

I would say that the most medals means you are the best overall country in the games. But the most gold medals means that you have the better athletes in more events.

While China and the United States battle it out every four years to determine the better country, 2012 might be a little different as the United States sits two gold medals behind China's 36. 

The United States has dominated in two competitions: swimming and track and field. Thirty-one medals (16 gold medals) came from swimming and 20 medals (five gold medals) have come from track and field thus far.

China (77 medals) 

China has been consistent in the most competitions. They don't have more than 10 medals in one event. They have placed in 19 events total.

As we get closer to the conclusion of the Olympics, China is running out of time on the gap. There are still competitions to be won, but it's going to be difficult to catch Team USA. 

Russia (53 medals) 

Russia has had a decent showing at the 2012 Summer Games after a slow start. Track and field, judo, wrestling and gymnastics have been the events that has pushed Russia to third in the overall standings.

The Russians will look to battle it out with Great Britain for third place as the competition moves forward. 

Great Britain (48 medals)

After a slow start to the 2012 Summer Games, Great Britain is performing well in front of the home crowd. Cycling track, rowing and track and field have all been dominate events for Great Britain.

Great Britain has performed well in acquiring gold medals as they have 22, the third most gold medals in the Olympics. Seven of those medals came from cycling track.

What appeared to be a disastrous beginning to the Olympics has turned into a memorable performance from the home country. 

Germany (34 medals)

Fifteen silver medals and 10 bronze have kept Germany in the top five standings at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Canoe sprint, equestrian and rowing have been the favorite events for the Germans. Seven of their nine gold medals came in those three events.

Germany hasn't done as well as expected, but they have the upper edge on the fifth spot in the standings. 

For complete standings check out Bleacher Report's updated medal tracker.