France Passes Germany As Most Successful Sporting Nation In Europe

28 Jan 2013

France overtook Germany as the most powerful sports nation in Europe in '12, according to Havas Sports & Entertainment’s 8th annual "Great Nations of Sport" study to be released Monday. The world’s top sporting nations -- U.S., China and Russia -- have finished in first, second and third place, respectively, since '06.

Havas’ ranking takes into account all podium athletes in every int'l competition in every sport recognized by the IOC. Fifty three sports containing 154 disciplines (i.e. beach volleyball and indoor volleyball) were measured, totaling 5,108 medals. National and continental competitions, such as the European swimming championship, are not included.

Source: http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2013/01/28/Research/Havas-research.aspx