China in the league of the soviet unions sporting superpower?

Question

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/sport/olympics2008/news/article_1426561.php/China_wins_its_50th_gold_medal

read the link!

Highest total golds in non-boycotted modern olympics:

1) soviet union 1988 = 55 golds

2) soviet union 1972 = 50 golds

3) china 2008 = 50 golds( with 2 more gold medal boxing matches still to come, possible 52 golds)

4) soviet union 1976 = 49 golds

What a massive rise, just like their economy's massive rise, now its their sporting power! pretty impressive u have to say no matter which nation u are supporting isnt it! with 1 more gold in the boxing, they could go to 2nd in the all time list of the NON-BOYCOTTED MODERN OLYMPICS! what a great achievement! Well Done to China!

Answer 1

The Soviet Union dominated in sports that really matter.  I don't think China won a single gold in swimming or track and field this year, on their home turf.

Answer 2

China had to spend lots of money on athletes because its harder to fill those seats if theres no china competing.

Answer 3

China has gotten so much medals after spending millions. What's going to happen at the next Olympics? China won't spend that much money and China will be a relative unknown like it was in Athens, Sydney etc.

Answer 4

Yep, China and the USSR have an enormous amount in common, no doubt about it.  

Answer 5

The Soviets won medals across the board in many different events. A big percentage of Chinese medals are from 2 sports , gymnastics and diving [ both of which are subjective ].