Brits punched above weight
UK SPORT may believe that Britain’s 65 medals at London 2012 were no great surprise, but a new study based on demographic and historical data indicates Team GB truly did punch above their weight.
Britain won 14 more medals than they were entitled to, based on population size, gross domestic product, performance at past Olympics and number of athletes, according to consultancy Economics Insight.
Only Russia overachieved more, while Britain’s performance was comparable with China, according to the report. Brazil were the worst performers, by the same measure, while Australia were second worst, falling 16 medals short of their predicted tally.
Of all sports, Britain’s rowers overachieved the most, with their nine medals exceeding projection by six.