Japan Keeps Bronze-Medal Run Alive (Medal Table)

The Japanese have won a lot of medals at these Olympics, with a very balanced lineup between their men’s and women’s teams. Their 7 medals, in fact, are the most aside from the big three: the United States, China, and Australia.

However, all 7 of Japan’s medals have been bronze – a feat that is perhaps unlike we’ve ever seen in swimming.

The Japanese aren’t necessarily done yet, either. They still have a lot of swimmers in position for more bronze. With Americans Tyler Clary and Ryan Lochte looking so good, Ryosuke Irie is in position for bronze – though a silver is definitely possible there too. Satomi Suzuki will be the 3rd seed in the women’s 200 breast final, also on Thursday. A third bronze in the next session could come from Kosuke Hagino

The Japanese men’s medley relay was 4th at Worlds last year, but with how bronze medalists Germany are swimming, they’re a favorite for bronze as well. The same could be said of the Japanese women.

At this level, there’s no shame in earning only bronze medals. There are 187 members of FINA who would be elated with even a silver bronze. Even Russia, expected to have such a good meet, has just one bronze. Overall, Japan now has 28 bronze medals all-time: fewer only than the United State, Australia, and Great Britain.

The medal table, after 5 days of competition, is below.

Rank	Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	United States	8	6	4	18
2	China	4	2	2	8
3	France	3	2	1	6
4	South Africa	2	0	0	2
5	Australia	1	5	2	8
6	Hungary	1	0	0	1
	Lithuania	1	0	0	1
8	South Korea	0	2	0	2
9	Great Britain	0	1	1	2
10	Brazil	0	1	0	1
	Netherlands	0	1	0	1
	Spain	0	1	0	1
13	Japan	0	0	7	7
14	Russia	0	0	1	1
	Canada	0	0	1	1
Total		20	21	19	60