Was it a reality check or an ingenious tactic borrowed from China’s ancient book of strategy The Art of War? After topping the gold-medal count on the home turf of Beijing four years ago, China is loudly lowering expectations of another triumphant performance in London. China won 51 gold medals in 2008, outperforming the U.S., which captured 36. But at a press conference in London, a Chinese official noted that former host nations historically have won nearly a third fewer medals in the Olympics following their home-turf performance. “Without home advantage, we face huge difficulties in meeting our gold-medal performance in Beijing,” said Chinese Olympic delegation deputy Xiao Tian. China has dispatched a downsized team of 396 athletes to London, compared with 639 athletes four years ago. (The Americans have sent 530 athletes this time around.) Still, there are 39 Chinese gold medalists among the London delegation, and China is competing in every sport except for handball, soccer and the equestrian events. (MORE: China’s Gold Standard) Scaling back expectations isn’t a new Chinese ploy. Four years ago, as Beijing residents were confidently predicting that China would upset the U.S. at the top of the gold-medal charts, the country’s vice sports minister opined that it would be “impossible” for China to surpass America. The result, of course, was China winning by 15 gold medals. Relying on a Soviet-style system that funnels kids into government-run athletic academies whether they have an innate interest in sports or not, China has achieved near domination in several disciplines. The diving team, for instance, will likely claim every one of the eight gold medals on offer. The table-tennis squad is looking for similar supremacy. Commanding performances are also expected in shooting, women’s weight lifting and badminton. But there are surprising weaknesses in the Chinese armor. Their men’s gymnastics squad, once invincible, could be eclipsed in the team event by the Japanese and Americans, especially with news that pommel-horse specialist Teng Haibin has pulled out of the Games because of a muscle tear in his arm suffered … Continue reading Reality or Strategy? China Plays Down Hopes of Beating the U.S. in Gold-Medal Count