Olympic Medal Count 2012 Table: Countries with Most Surprising Gold Medal Totals

Before the Olympics began, it was widely assumed the gold-medal race would come down to the United States and China. And while that's exactly how it's played out, several other countries have had impressive displays in London as well.

Let's take a look at three nations that have exceeded expectations with their performances in the gold-medal category so far during the Games. There are still plenty of medals to get handed out before the closing ceremony, which means the totals can still rise.

South Korea

South Korea has captured 12 gold medals and has spread them out pretty evenly throughout a number of different sports. The most came in archery and shooting, which obviously rely on a similar skill set to succeed, at three apiece.

The total puts South Korea ahead of countries like Russia, Germany and Australia. That's quite an accomplishment for South Korea. Its athletes are definitely trending in the right direction and will be an even bigger threat in four years.

Another interesting note is that the country's total number of golds is nearly equal to the combined total of silver and bronze. As of now, South Korea ranks fourth in gold medals.

Great Britain

The host nation always sees a jump in its medal count, but Great Britain is setting up to crush the total of 19 golds it won four years ago in Beijing. The country has already reached 24 with several events left to add to that count.

Cycling has been the biggest source of success with seven golds, including four individual and three team competitions. Great Britain has also added four in rowing and three each in equestrian and track and field.

The high number of finishes atop the podium comes after Great Britain got off to a slow start. It was quickly forgotten after the golds starting rolling in. Only China and the United States have more.

Hungary

Hungary is not usually viewed as an Olympic contender. Four years ago the country won just 10 total medals with only three of them being of the gold variety. Things have certainly improved in London with eight golds and 15 total already.

The most amazing thing has been the country's kayak dominance. Hungary has three gold and two silver medals in the overlooked sport. They have all been in team events, aside from Danuta Kozak's triumph in the 500 meters.

Eight golds puts them ahead of Japan—which has 31 overall medals—and Italy, among many others. They are also tied with France. Regardless of how the rest of the events turn out, it's been a successful Olympics for Hungary.

Current Overall Medal Leaders (as of Aug. 9 at 11:45 a.m. ET)

Rank	Country	Total Medals
1	United States	82
2	China	78
3	Russia	53
4	Great Britain	51
5	Germany	34