Olympic Medal Count 2012 Chart: Track and Field Pushes USA to Top of Table

The battle for worldwide supremacy in the medal count was close throughout the 2012 London Olympics, but the United States will finish with the most gold and overall medals.

As fans root for athletes in so many different sports, many of them consider the medal count the best measure of success for their country. 

In Beijing, the United States earned the most medals, but China easily had the most golds. This time around, Team USA led the world in both categories.

Here is the medal table as of 8 a.m. on the final day of competition:

Olympic Medal Tracker
	United States Total: 102	44	29	29
	China Total: 87	38	27	22
	Russia Total: 78	21	25	32
	Great Britain Total: 62	28	15	19
	Germany Total: 44	11	19	14

Every country had its specialty, but the United States is fortunate there are so many medals on the line in swimming and track and field.

Of the 102 medals won by American athletes, 31 were in swimming and 29 were in track and field. The country showed its dominance and overall depth in both categories.

While Jamaica proved it can win the shorter sprints, the United States had medal contenders in almost every event. From hurdles, triple jump and the decathlon on the men's side to the long jump, relays and pole vault of the women's competitions, the Americans showed their skill and versatility.

It is also useful to be good in Olympic sports that have many chances for gold. Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin, Allyson Felix and more were able to win multiple gold medals. Conversely, participants in team sports usually only have a chance to win one.

China was dominant in certain sports. The country totaled five golds in badminton, six in diving and four in table tennis. Unfortunately for them, there were not enough events in each to help them lead the medal count.

The United States expects to be on top of this table in every Olympics. This year, that seemed like a tough proposition throughout most of the Games. It was not until Day 12 that the U.S. caught up and Day 13 that they pulled away.

It is a good thing for track and field, otherwise the country might be in trouble. Maybe next time they can add to the 47 events in track and field. It certainly will help America.

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