China vs USA. Who's better?

That's a loaded question, in a lot of ways. However, let's ignore politics, particularly in an election year, religious issues, productivity, and even Wal-Mart merchandise for sale. This is about which nation is winning the most medals in the current Olympic games.

As the games have gone on -- it's been a see-saw battle. One day China is ahead by a couple, and the next the USA has regained the lead. Meanwhile, the athletes of Great Britain have certainly made an admirable showing. Yes, they have "home field" advantage, but who would have guessed before the games started that they would win as many medals as they have? And Andy Murray winning the gold in tennis? Perfect.

But when it's all over, either China or the USA will have won the most medals. Perhaps bragging rights will be involved on some level, though it shouldn't be that way. The Olympics are supposed to be a showcase of not only highly-skilled athletes from the world over competing against each other, but also peaceful, dignified and, win or lose, done with honor and respect amongst the competitors.

Some countries don't have the means to compete in all the events, but are world-class at what they take seriously. As examples, Jamaica is known for their sprinters, Bulgaria for weightlifters, and Kenyans for running long distance races, especially the marathon. I doubt you've ever seen a Kenyan weightlifter or a Bulgarian lining up against Usain Bolt. Many countries don't pretend to be good at everything, so they stick to what they do best. Of course, such "specialized" countries will never be in the running for the most medals.

Not so, the USA. America will always offer up athletes and teams for every event there is. Some will be great, most of them at least highly competitive, but others might not fare so well against world competition.

And there's the rub in the China vs USA medal battle. All the "track and field" events put together offer a whole slew of medals, but China doesn't seem to even participate in most of it. I can't remember ever seeing a Chinese sprinter, hurdler, or distance runner. Nor do I recall them competing in the hammer or discus throws, shot putt, long jump, steeplechase, and other events. It's almost like they don't even bother, but concentrate on what they do well elsewhere.

Who will win the final medal count is yet to be seen, but it tilts in the Americans' favor, given the events that remain -- some of which the Chinese won't even contest.

Bottom line? If a country's in the hunt for the most medals, and don't even participate in a lot of events -- they must be really good at the ones they take seriously.

Between China and the USA, who's better overall? Beats me.

But you won't see me at Wal-Mart.