TODAY’S TALKER

Look for Norway to top medals count again at 2022 Winter Olympics

The Olympics open in 30 days, and Norway is expected to top the medal standings for the second straight time, even surpassing its record haul of 39 medals in 2018 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. This is the prediction of U.s.based Gracenote Sports, which released its medal table forecast Wednesday with the Beijing Winter Games opening Feb. 4.

Nielsen-gracenote supplies statistical analysis to sports leagues around the world. Its Olympic numbers are based off computer models that analyze the most recent results in major competitions — and smaller ones — in the run-up to Beijing.

Norway is predicted to win 22 gold medals and 45 overall. More than half of its medals are predicted to come in cross country skiing and biathlon. Second place, if total medals is used for the ranking order, will be the Russian Olympic Committee with 11 gold, 32 overall. Germany is picked to finish third with 12 gold, 25 overall. The next seven countries are closely grouped: the U.S. (7 gold, 22 overall), Canada (6-22), Sweden (7-21), Switzerland (521), Netherlands (6-20), Austria (5-18), and France (2-18).

Japan is expected to produce its most overall medals in a Winter Olympics with 17, including four golds. Host China is predicted to win six gold and 11 overall.

Simon Gleave, head of sports analysis for Gracenote, said predictions for Beijing are more difficult with the pandemic. Athletes have missed competitions because of travel restrictions, particularly last season. And, of course, lastminute entry lists can change if athletes test positive for the coronavirus.