The United States have been projected to win close to 100 medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, according to the latest version of Gracenote’s Virtual Medal Table (VMT).
Having finished top of the medals table at the last five Summer Olympic Games, the Americans have been forecast to continue that record by the sports data firm.
The country are projected to win a total of 99 medals at the Games, including 43 golds, representing an increase from the 94 they were forecast back in February.
Should the projection prove correct, it would be the first time since Sydney 2000 that the US would have missed out on achieving over 100 medals.
China are earmarked to end 17 medals behind the Americans, with Russia expected to finish third on 63.
However, the current suspension to their athletics team could see them lose a further six medals, if the ban is not lifted in time for the Games.
It would see them record their lowest tally since Atlanta 1996, when they achieved a total of 63 medals.
Hosts Brazil are predicted to claim 27 medals, with 10 gold, to finish joint 10th in the final medals table.
The table is based on world-class sporting events across the globe, including previous Olympics, World Championships and World Cups.
Events are ranked by importance with medal predictions determined by the points accumulated by athletes.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) World Track Cycling Championships was one of the key events to alter the virtual medals table.
China, Britain, New Zealand and the US are now expected to gain an additional cycling medal following their performances at the Championships in London in March, but Germany are projected to finish top of the track cycling medals table with three golds one silver and two bronze.
The latest VMT can be viewed here.
- By Michael Pavitt
- Republished with permission insidethegames.biz