LONDON – The United States is an overwhelming favorite to finish the Olympic Games in style and finish ahead of China at the top of the medal table. British bookmakers are no longer taking bets on the U.S. to finish first in both the overall medal count and secure the highest tally of gold medals.
Even though the Americans led China by just four total medals – 81 to 77 – and trailed by 32 golds to China's 34 at the start of Thursday's competitions, the strengths of its track athletes and team sports representatives look likely to make the difference.
"You can't get a price on the United States," said a spokesman for gambling company Betfair. "When you look at what they have got coming up, it is all over. It's a shame, it would be like free money."
Yahoo! Sports predicts that the Americans will end on 97 medals: 43 gold, 26 silver and 28 bronze; with China ending up on 90: 40 gold, 26 silver and 24 bronze.
Even though the Americans led China by just four total medals – 81 to 77 – and trailed by 32 golds to China's 34 at the start of Thursday's competitions, the strengths of its track athletes and team sports representatives look likely to make the difference.
"You can't get a price on the United States," said a spokesman for gambling company Betfair. "When you look at what they have got coming up, it is all over. It's a shame, it would be like free money."
Yahoo! Sports predicts that the Americans will end on 97 medals: 43 gold, 26 silver and 28 bronze; with China ending up on 90: 40 gold, 26 silver and 24 bronze.
