Forecasters predict Britain will win 52 medals

Team GB will dip to fifth in the Olympic medal table but enjoy another gold rush and 52 medals in Tokyo, according to forecasters.

Gracenote, a leading data and technology firm, believes the United States will again dominate, with 96 medals, to finish top of the table for the seventh successive Games. Defending the second spot Team GB achieved in Rio has consistently been deemed a tall order by funding body, UK Sport. A topfive finish for a fourth successive Games would be perceived as a success by many within the camp, especially mid-pandemic.

Athletes competing under the Russian Olympic Committee flag are predicted to finish second, with 68 medals, narrowly above China on 66. That leaves hosts Japan above Britain, with a projected improvement of nearly 50 per cent to secure 60 medals.

Gracenote’s table is based purely on total medal numbers, however. If the rankings are right and Team GB achieve 14 golds, they could finish seventh in the official International Olympic Committee rankings. Team

GB named a delegation of 376 athletes in Tokyo – the biggest for an overseas Games – but while over 50 medals is the target, there is a degree of managing expectations.

There is a general expectation that the team will surpass the 51 medals secured in Beijing in 2008. But a downturn in previously strong medal sports such as cycling and gymnastics is likely to leave the team short of Rio’s total.

For Britain, the men’s 4x100m relay quartet are being tipped to win gold. Dina Asher-smith, Jemma Reekie, Laura Muir and the women’s 4x100m relay team are expected to land silvers.

Team GB are also forecast to win two golds in swimming, shooting and equestrianism.