If the Ivies Were a Country…
NBCOlympics.com recently released a complete All-time Medal Standings listing on its website. As one may have already guessed, the usual suspects of the United States, the Soviet Union/Unified Team, Great Britain, Germany, etc. dominate the medal count.
No real surprises there.
If, however, the League office had the power to magically create a nation called the Ivy League, would it surprise you that this nation would be ranked higher than current international Olympic powers Hungary, Australia, Japan, China, Romania, Russia, Canada and historical powers East Germany and Czechoslovakia?
Well it would be. In fact, if the Ivy League created a nation of athletes, it would be 8th on the All-time Medal listing by country.
Top-10
1. United States – 2197 total medals, 897 gold, 693.5 silver, 606.5 bronze
2. U.S.S.R./Unified Team – 1122 total, 440 gold, 357 silver, 325 bronze
3. Great Britain – 677.5 total, 190 gold, 245.5 silver, 242.5 bronze
4. Germany – 617.5 total, 180 gold, 212 silver, 226 bronze
5. France – 600 total, 184 gold, 192 silver, 224 bronze
6. Italy – 495 total, 182 gold, 148 silver, 165 bronze
7. Sweden – 469.5 total, 142 gold, 156 silver, 172 bronze
8. IVY LEAGUE - 462 total, 183 gold, 153 silver, 126 bronze
9. Hungary – 450 total, 156 gold, 136 silver, 158 bronze
10. East Germany – 409 total, 153 gold, 129 silver, 127 bronze
So, if the Ivies were a country… that country would be an international Olympic power. One that is gunning for seventh place. You hear us, Sweden? We’re coming.
