China's challenge to American Supremacy in Olympics

A large contingent of 639 players has been designated by China to participate in this year's Olympics Games on heir home soil. The Chinese authorities are out to showcase their rapid strides in economic development over last two decades on world stage by making the Olympics event a grand success. But their ambition is not just to organise biggest sporting event ever, but also to emerge as leader in medals tally table taking over Russia and USA.
Early history of Chinese participation in Olympics is marred by international politics. Their first showing at 1936 Berlin Games was pathetic. Olympics could not be held during the second world war. Immediately after the War, people's revolution brought communist regime in china. International Olympics committee recognised the pro-American 'Chinese Taipei' faction and barred China from Olympics. The boycott continued till 1979. China also abstained from 1980 Moscow Games due to political reasons.
China entered Olympics after nearly 30 years at 1984 Los Angeles and the world was shocked by the performance of its players. It was a spectacular show by the Chinese. In spite of boycott by Soviet Bloc countries, its fourth rank in medals table was truly an astonishing achievement.
since then, the graph of China's performance in the Olympics has been on the ascending. At the last Athens Games in 2004, China overtook a traditional 'Superpower' in Olympics, Russia to emerge second only to USA. This time, with the 'home advantage' on their side, China looks set to topple USA from number one position.
China has always fared better in disciplines like Table Tennis, Badmington, diving, Gymnastics etc. This time too, it will look to maintain its stronghold on medals in these sports. The chinese will try to improve upon their Athens performance in weighlifting, shooting and boxing. But for it to overcome USA, their atheletes and swimmers need to improve.
All in all a fascinating tussle between USA and china is set to unfold on 8th August at the huge Beijing stadium. Whether china overtakes USA or not, one thing is certain. China has successfully translated its development on economic front into becoming a powerful sports nation.