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A unique occurrence happened at the 1976 Montreal Olympics - the host nation failed to win a single gold medal for the first, and so far, only time.

Canadians have pointed out in a previous blog that the summer Games are not their forte, but a fact is a fact and I only bring it up again to highlight how important home advantage usually is for a country.

Of the 28 Olympic Games of the modern era, the host nation has figured in the top 10 in the medals table on all but four occassions.

The first was when a return of three gold medals was only good enough for 12th in the medal table, although the 23 total medals won was the sixth best.

In 1968, , of which three were gold, while was five silver and six bronze and Greece, despite winning six golds four years ago, only finished 15th.

But, in general, home nations have enjoyed a glut of medals, particularly in the early years when overseas travel was harder and fewer nations competed.

The 1908 Games in London are a prime example, as Britain won a record 56 gold medals - half of the total on offer.

Granted, , but Britain's haul 100 years ago accounts for almost a third of the 188 gold medals won at the Games.

There's lots on , so I'll leave you with today's question.

There is no doubting that China will feature prominently in this year's medal table, but who will finish top come 24 August?