Rio Olympics 2016: Team GB beat China to finish second in medal table

Great Britain have finished second in the medal table at the Rio Olympics - above sporting powerhouse China.

One of the dominant nations at the summer Games, China have won more than 200 golds since returning in 1984. But they are one shy of Britain's total of 27 in Rio and, with just one athlete left to compete, cannot claim second given GB's superior haul of silvers.


GB will also add to their tally on the final day when boxer Joe Joyce fights for super-heavyweight gold later.
Team GB have won golds across 15 sports in Rio. They have 66 medals from 19 sports in total, beating the 65 they claimed at London 2012.

Since the modern Olympic era began in 1896, no country has increased its medal tally at the summer Games immediately following the one it hosted. GB have also smashed their pre-Games target of at least 48 medals, which was set by UK Sport.

That means Rio 2016 is the nation's most successful 'away' Games in history. China, with a population of 1.357 billion to Britain's 64.1 million, have amassed more medals (70) than Team GB in Brazil, achieving notable success in table tennis, diving and weightlifting.

However, GB are ahead on golds, which is what the rankings are based on. Asked if the achievements in Rio were better than London 2012, Liz Nicholl, chief executive of UK Sport, told BBC Sport: "Absolutely.

"It is more of a thrill because although we knew we had medal potential we were not as sure about the environment in which we were competing. "Those of us involved know that there is still a huge amount that can be improved. As we look beyond Rio and on to Tokyo, it is looking really exciting."

UK Sport performance director Simon Timpson insisted the success was "not happening by chance", adding: "This is success by design."