US, Asia make radical gains over former Soviet Union in classic events
(NEWSER) - Nate Silver hears the “cynical perspectives” on the US’ record take of 37 medals at the Vancouver Olympics: that newfound dominance is based on the inclusion of “new-fangled sports" like snowboarding and short-track. It’s not particularly valid. If you look only at events contested in the 1988 Calgary Games, it’s true that Germany topped the podium with 20 total medals. But the US was right behind, with 17. And there were two Germanys in 1988—East with 11, and West with 9. More»