The United States and China dominated the gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, with the former winning 36 gold medals while the latter raked in 51. The next closest country was Russia, which tallied 23 gold medals. 2012 Olympics Odds and Picks are expecting more of the same in London, with the Team Over/Under gold medals won set at 38.5 and 36.5 for the USA and China, respectively. However, the United States is favored to win fewer than its 38.5 total as the Under is drawing -120 odds ($120 to win $100) while China is expected to win Over 36.5 at -120 odds. Russia’s gold medal total is presently listed at 24; the Under is favored at -125 odds.
The United States is far removed from the 1984 Olympics where it gobbled up some watered down competition (the games were boycotted by 16 countries) in route to 83 gold medals (an Olympic record), but the Red, White, and Blue is still considered the favorite to best the 204 nation field in London. The Under might be the better play, though, as this year’s field of U.S. athletes is not considered any better than the group that tallied 36 gold medals in Beijing.
China, which dominated gymnastics, diving, shooting, weight lifting, and table tennis at the 2008 Summer Olympics, has a long way to drop to finish under its current total of 36.5 gold medals. China is still strong in most of the events listed above and even if it loses 13 gold medals from its 2008 total, it will top the number it is drawing for the London games.
Russia should earn its fair share of gold as well. Always a strong Olympic presence, Russia is second only to the USA in all-time gold medals at 440, and it has averaged 27.3 gold medals over the last four Olympic games.
2012 Olympics Odds and Picks: Team Over/Under Gold Medals
USA - Over 38.5 (+100), Under 38.5 (-120)
China - Over 36.5 (-120), Under 36.5 (+100)
Russia - Over 24 (-105), Under 24 (-125)
Great Britain & Northern Ireland - Over 21.5 (-150), Under 21.5 (+120)
Germany - Over 15.5 (-105), Under 15.5 (-125)
Australia - Over 14 (+135), Under 14 (-170)
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