Host China ranks No. one when it comes to the most improved medal performance at the Beijing Olympics compared to the Athens 2004 Games.

China is followed by Britain, who will host the 2012 Olympics in London.

China won a total of 63 medals, including 32 gold in Athens. They improved on that for a total of 100 medals, including 51 golds at the Beijing Games.

In 2004, Britain won 30 medals, nine of which were gold. Strong performances in cycling, rowing and sailing propelled the 2012 Olympics host to fourth place in the medals count in Beijing with 19 golds and 47 in total.

Meanwhile, Cuba and Japan both dropped by seven gold medals and ranked first and second in terms of biggest net loss in gold medals compared to 2004.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2008)