Does it Really Matter If the USA or China Wins the Most Medals at the Olympics?

Question

I spent 50 Billion Dollars on the Olympics...Michael Phelps won 8 Gold Medals but all I got was this Lousy T-Shirt! Onto the next Olympics!

Answer 1

Well, no it doesn't really matter to most of the people i supposed.

The important thing is the two greatest nations are just competing in sports arena, and not at war.

However to many people it is important.. I am sure some American don't feel so comfortable to loose the top spot

To Chinese, it means a lot as it feels good to be the top gold medals scoring nations, even just for once... as only 100 years ago they were nicknamed 'sick man of asia'

And to the majority of the countries in this world, who are developing countries... the success of China sign a positive signal - "if they can do it, maybe one day we can too"

And why not anyway, we all should make ourselves faster, better, higher, stronger or better...

Answer 2

If it didn't.. would China be rubber-stamping pre-16 yr olds for the gymnastics etc? (it's easier, when you haven't hit puberty)

Answer 3

The medal count is more for bragging rights than anything. It's fun to follow for the games, but people will remember the performances more than anything.  

Answer 4

The spirit of Olympics is not who wins or loses. It is the sportsmanship of participation which over rides all other things.

Answer 5

No, it doesn't.

But it matters if China wins more Gold than the USA.  Because USA has been holding on that spots for decades now.  China is trying to go for that bragging rights.

Answer 6

It is a matter of national pride

Answer 7

We're still at war, our dollar is still worthless, and our national deficit is larger than it's ever been.

China already won.

Answer 8

No more than who wins the Super Bowl or the World Series...but lots and lots of people care passionately about them too.

Answer 9

Honestly, less than 3 months from now and in the future, the only thing people will remember will be Phelps.