BBBG yes, I stayed up and watched the whole Parade of Nations...
Unfortuantely the Vatican did not send the Pope...He is extremely good in the 200 metre freestyle.
NEVER MIND THAT....THE SOVEREIGN PRINCIPALTIES OF EUROPE WILL DEFEAT YOU ALL!!!!
*Updated Rankings*
1.) Liechtenstein
2.) Andorra
3.) US/China
4.) Monaco/Malta
5.) Luxembourg
6.) Russia
7.) Tunisia
8.) East Germany
9.) Representatives of Saturn
10.) TI-82
hedja, in 2008 the US topped China in medal counts 110 to 100 (though China had more golds). Seems likely that without the home-field advantage the US should surpass them once again in total medals (one study says host nations up medal totals by 54% - China had 63 in 2004, US 102)
Frankly I'd be surprised if China matches their 2008 results.
I really think the media should be ranking medal rankings based on the number of golds. Total medal count always favours the most populous of the developed countries, seeing as they have a significantly larger pool of athletes to choose from.
If we go by golds, however, we really cut down on that bias, seeing as we are eliminating any podium sweeps by a particular country, which seems to happen often in events in which the USA and China excel.
In any case, the media will always rank based on the most favourable option for its host nation. I remember back in 2010 when the Canadian media ranked solely based on golds, a system with which we led the rankings. Of course now in 2012 they're ranking by total medals, since it bumps us higher (11th) than counting by golds (21st).
Hedja, I don't really know if the US has a shot at winning the total medals count, or the total golds count. I am only saying I WANT them to, since I am an American. But as an expat who has made China my home, I really want to see the Chinese excel and do well. Just not quite as well as the US.
heres how its gunna go down USA USA USA aaaaahhhhhrrrrrr we will dominate you socialists europeans and communist asians and super fast africans and you jumping bean mexicans and you good swimming euros arrrrrr we win everything and we can smoke weed while doing it thank you michael phelps
I am not particularly upset, but some people might not like the phrase "jumping bean Mexicans".
The forums are very sensitive to anything smacking of "racism", I would be careful what one says in regards to that, lest you be taken less seriously than you would hope.
Although I, for one, have no problem with (hopefully) drunken posts celebrating the greatness that is Mike Phelps.
