Damn Lies & Statistics
The Olympics inevitably become more about national pride than athletic achievement, even if you start out watching because of the events. Really, just try not to feel even a little pride the next time someone from your country wins a medal, especially gold, especially in an event you enjoy (and even if you don't run the 100 meters yourself ever). One of the ways this happens is the relentless harping on the medal count, reported by country. But the Australian Bureau of Statistics has had a little fun with the medal count, reporting the totals according to population size per Gold medal. The Bahamas are currently number 1 and the U.S. is 29th, out of 67 countries with medals. They got theirs in the Women's 400m Track & Field, which Tonique Williams-Darling completed in 49.41 seconds. Congratulations for your achievement, Tonique, and for making your country the best in the world.