Olympics Predictions 2016: Projecting Final Medal Table for USA and Top Nations
The 2016 Summer Olympic Games begin on Friday, and the United States are predicted to top the medal table once more with China and Russia close behind Team USA.
Statistics site Gracenote Sports currently projects 41 gold medals for the Stars and Stripes, with China second on 31 and Russia trailing in third on 20 golds.
Russia's predicted haul could yet change as a number of their athletes battle to participate in Rio, as reported by BBC Sport.
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The Americans arrive in Brazil with a confident and powerful squad across all disciplines, and they will be hoping to improve on their performance in London four years ago.
Here is a prediction of the final table:
| United States | 38 | 20 | 29 | 87 |
| China | 32 | 29 | 24 | 85 |
| Russia | 18 | 23 | 22 | 63 |
| Great Britain | 17 | 16 | 18 | 51 |
| Germany | 16 | 16 | 18 | 50 |
| Australia | 16 | 13 | 16 | 45 |
| Japan | 14 | 10 | 14 | 38 |
| France | 13 | 17 | 18 | 48 |
| Korea | 10 | 5 | 11 | 26 |
| Brazil | 9 | 9 | 3 | 21 |
Top Nations At Rio Olympics
Team USA are expected to run away with the honours in South America as the country are predicted to take a host of medals back home by the end of August. The Americans arrive with strength in depth, piecing together a squad no other nation could assemble for a major sporting event.
China will be the United States' closest competitor in Rio, and if the Asia powerhouse can continue their advancement—which has been witnessed at recent Games—they have the capability of equalling America.
If Team USA has a below-par Games, there is every chance the field will catch them before the final hurdle is jumped, opening the door for the Chinese squad.
Russia's participation remains controversial, but they will be a force in Rio with their spread of elite talent. According to Gracenote, they are predicted to win 63 medals in total, but if any of their athletes drop out, Great Britain sit on their tails with a similar projection.
Gracenote predicted Team GB will win only two golds less than Russia and eight medals less in total. If Russia are hit with further sanctions, per BBC Sport, it could be the British who benefit the most in the overall table.
Host nation Brazil are expected to make the top 10 standing on home soil, and could potentially walk away with a respectable tally, including a number of gold medals.
Expectations High For America's NBA Stars
Mainstream sports fans will be keeping an eye on Team USA's basketball contingent, which is packed with superstars, but missing vital big names.
Steph Curry and LeBron James have decided to miss the Olympics after punishing seasons in the NBA and join Russell Westbrook and James Harden as absentees.
Kevin Durant will lead the Americans, and the depth of their bench would normally guarantee nothing but gold across the board.
However, Australia and Spain arrive in Rio in great condition and could cause Team USA unexpected problems, despite their usual elevated status.
Basketball has exploded Down Under in recent years and the country now has a squad filled with professional players who will expect to challenge for medal honours in 2016.
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