Should we adapt a weighted - medal/quality - count - as opposed to either the "Gold" or "Total" medal count???

Question

I have seen alot of hand-wringing about how China is winning in "Golds" - whereas the USA is winning in "Total" medals. While both of these statements are true, I suggest an alternative measure.

One, in which the race is extremely close - the current total being China 190 - the USA 187.

It works like this: Each Gold medal scores 3, each Silver medal scores 2, each Bronze medal scores 1 point. This gives more weight to the better medals, while still rewarding quantity of lower medals.

At this time - 2:17 PDT - the medal count stands: US 29G, 34S, 32B; China 46G, 15S, 22B. In the "Gold" Count, China leads 46-29. In the "Total" Count, the US leads 95-85.

In the "Weighted" Count - China barely leads, 190-187.

What do you think???

Answer 1

I think weighted count would be more equitable to all.

Answer 2

I like the idea of the weighted system, however, I think 1 for bronze 2 for silver and 3 for gold does not give proper weight to the gold.

In your case, basically 1 silver = 2 bronze

but 1 gold = 1.5 silver, or 3 bronze.

More weight needs to be give to the gold in my opinion. At minumum, 1 for bronze 2 for silver and 4 for gold or maybe even more for gold. ( 1, 2 5?) Winning an event has to count for something?  

Answer 3

that's better than the system we have now, it makes sense

but idk if that'll be implemented

Answer 4

funny, this was never an issue when USA led the gold table.

Answer 5

Well if you want to count total medals you are effectively saying the bronze is worth just as much as the gold. So the systems Americans have in place is seriously flawed.

Answer 6

Indonesian newspapers used to use this system.  That was back in the 80's when I lived there.  I don't know if they're still using it now.

Answer 7

The medal count is worthless when you got crappy events like walking and trampoline.  I mean Does a gold Medal in walking equal to Usain's bolt's gold medal in the 100m.  Is the gold in Table tennis as prized as the women's all around gold in gymnastics.  I think crappy events should be tossed out of the count as well.  

Answer 8

"The thing about the Chinese is that they excel in sports where multiple medals can be won"

Um. No. Have you forgotten about the existence of swimming and track and field?

Answer 9

The thing about the Chinese is that they excel in sports where multiple medals can be won, whereas the US excels in team sports: Basketball, soccer, softball, etc.  In gymnastics and diving, there are multiple medals given.  In team sports, the teams can end up playing several games, just to earn one medal, so whether you count it by gold or total medals, it is never a truly accurate comparison.  Both countries dominate, just in different areas.

I like your method though.  It is probably a good idea, because if you only count the gold, it totally discounts all of the silver and bronze medals, which are also important and impressive.

Answer 10

Actually, most of the places that run a weighted system have a Gold = 4 Silver = 2 Bronze = 1 weighting, which gives the Gold a premium over even Silver + Bronze.

If it lights your fire you can weight the medal count, measure it by medals per one armed paper hanger by country or any other way.

Should we then also weight the value of the medals by sport, should a track medal be worth double points or an endurance sport medal be worth triple?

Should we award bonus points for multiple medal winners or record breakers?

It really doesn't matter as the point of the Olympics is not to have a clear cut winner for the meet, or for countries to accrue points or medals!

The point is for athletes from all over the world to meet other athletes in a spirit of friendly competition, to do their best to win but to win or lose with honour, knowing that they gave their all.

The fact that govts try to turn the results into an international brag fest just detracts from what the Olympics are all about.

It's a shame really...very few people seem to get it anymore!

Answer 11

How about we forget medals totally and just add up all the positions finishes. like 1st = 1 pt. 27th= 27pts and then do a golf like score system where lowest is best

Unless you can't tell it's sarcasm.

Gold medals has always been how it's been ranked if tied, silvers. Stop whining.