If you had to bet on one country in the Olympics for overall podium positions what would it be?

I know Americans might seem to be a safe bet given their sweep last time, some other country's are pretty stacked, maybe a little early to start Olympic predictions especially since the X Games haven't even happened yet, but I was just thinking what country overall has the strongest chance of dominating this Olympics

I personally would maybe go Norway, I feel Oystein has been the most consistent of anyone recently. Like he just doesn't miss podiums, a lot of 3rds and 2nds at World Cups but its honestly kind of surprising when he's not on the podium at anything. Also, Ferdinand Dahl, sleeper pick, has been on a tear this season and low key might have all the pieces for an Olympic podium run. Felix Usterud/Christian Nummedal would also not be too shocking if they somehow poked in, although probably low probability

Inclined to say Sweden because of Henrik, and Oscar Wester has been way solid recently. Jesper, despite how crazy he is, hasn't seemed to be able to put his deep repertoire into a very consistent run. Emil Granbom/Hugo Burvall?

Switzerland--Ragettli, not much debate there, Fabian Bosch, despite not getting much results recently, has been injured and definitely has the capability of getting a podium.

Canada-Evan MC and Teal Harle, as another sleeper pick, I remember he just out of nowhere won a World Cup last year. He definitely has a lot up his sleeve that he could take out in a slope run.

US--obviously going to have a lot of talent to put forth, mostly comes down to who actually gets selected. Looking like US's best chance is Goepper, McCrae, and Gus. AHall could be a dark horse if he's selected and just does something that hasn't even occurred to the rest of the field as a possibility

NZ---no Jossi, not sure if Wacko would be able to chef something up, might be a better contender for Big Air events at this stage in the game, Finn Bilous is looking way too solid these days

Pipe seems to be between US, Canada, NZ and France (being Kevin Rolland) for potential podium contenders. I would say much higher likelihood of having multiple from one country as pipe skiing is maybe not as diverse and I would say that, between Blunck, Ferreira, Wise, and Yater-Wallace, there is a pretty small chance that less than two of those four happen to be on the podium. Would be epic if somehow the Porteous brothers got a shared podium for the Kiwis though

Anyway this is just an addied rant before a midterm I got so what do you guys think. I wish there would be live betting set up for this lol
 
13881528:Gingermcginger said:
Come on man! US always blows everyone out of medal count, only country that comes close is Russia and they um are staying home.

Haha I know. I just had to be that first asshole
 
13881528:Gingermcginger said:
Come on man! US always blows everyone out of medal count, only country that comes close is Russia and they um are staying home.

Canada is always solid, but yeah I have to agree on this. Doesn't the US always win? I know summer Olympics we destroy.
 
After I actually looked OP has very valid points. Medal count is pretty tight from 2014. Could this be the year that the US doesn’t take home the most medals? I highly doubt it.
 
US slope team will be the 2014 podium plus McCrae. Joss is on his way to punching his ticket today for the coach's choice.

The Euros are going to be tough to beat this year. I'd love to see Harlaut take it for Sweden.
 
13881528:Gingermcginger said:
Come on man! US always blows everyone out of medal count, only country that comes close is Russia and they um are staying home.

False. US never blows anyone away in medal count at winter Olympics. That's summer you're thinking of. Norway, Canada, Russia, Germany, etc are all about even with the US and at least as far back as I can remember the US has never had the most golds.
 
As far as skiing goes:

downhill events will be Euros dominating

moguls will be Canada

aerials will be don't care

slope will be euros

pipe will be US

cross will be dunno

jumping will be euros
 
Back
Top