The “Modeling Olympic Performance” from PricewaterhouseCoopers revealed that the “richest countries win the most medals” at the Olympic Games, according to Olivia Derreumaux of LEFIGARO. For the study, the group used a model that included many economico-political factors including: “population, the average revenue, whether the country belonged to the ex-soviet block or communism and the status of the host country.” Factors that according to PwC, have “in the past proved their influence on the performances of nations.” PwC Sports Industry expert Matthieu Aubusson said, “In general, the number of medals won goes up with the population and the economic wealthiness of the country, although that increase is not exactly proportional.” The results of the study estimate that the U.S., “first economy in the world,” will win the most medals in London with 113 followed by China with 87. England, the host country, is expected to see the largest increase in medals from 47 in Beijijng to an estimated 54 in London. PwC “concluded that the first 30 countries will win 80% of the medals in play” at the Games (LEFIGARO, 6/27).
