China's Long Qingquan displays the gold medal he won in men's 56-kilogram weightlifting.
The enormous government-run Chinese sports program has long targeted the Beijing Games as its opportunity to lead the world in the gold medal count, and through two days they're off to an impressive start.
The Chinese have won six gold medals. In addition to Long's weightlifting gold, China has a gold in women's weightlifting (48 kilograms), diving (women's synchronized springboard), judo (women's 52 kilograms) and shooting (men's and women's 10-meter air pistol). China also has two silver medals.
The Americans have won two golds, one for Michael Phelps in the 400-meter IM, and one for Mariel Zagunis in individual sabre. Team USA also has two silvers and four bronzes, meaning the Americans and the Chinese are tied in the total medal count.
Other countries with multiple medals are South Korea with five, Italy and Russia with four apiece, Japan, France and North Korea with three each, and the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia and Cuba, all with two.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-10-2008 @ 2:04PM
Peter said...
This olympics is a JOKE!! not to the families, athletes et al..but to the fact that CHINA is hosting it! An oppressive regime who supports Sudan with 1B in annual aid, and weapons....they are raping Africa of her oil, minerals and produce while stiffing the africans who live there.....
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8-10-2008 @ 2:09PM
chad said...
you are sooooo right!!! i'm surprised Obama didn't carry the torch in!!! lol....the COMMUNISTS are dirty tricky people....
the IOC is a joke also!!!!!!!!
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8-10-2008 @ 2:51PM
Sammy said...
It never ceases to amuse me how the host country is always winng more medals when they host the Olympics than they do at others. And, let us not forget, when the Soviet Union collapsed, the doctors from East Germany went to China and that is when Chinese athletes started making their mark in sports.
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8-10-2008 @ 8:29PM
anny said...
Well it is the ultimate home court advantage.