Team Medal Wins explores the intricate history of Olympic team sports victories from 1950 to 2020, examining the factors beyond athletic talent that contribute to a nation's success.
Drawing from International Olympic Committee archives, the book analyzes sports like basketball, soccer, hockey, and volleyball, revealing patterns of dominance and shifts in international competition.
It assesses medal counts nation-by-nation, highlighting consistent performers and those with fluctuating results.
Intriguingly, a nation's investment in sports infrastructure significantly correlates with its Olympic achievements.
The book also evaluates the relationship between socio-economic factors, such as GDP and population size, and Olympic success.
It posits that victories reflect a nation's broader societal strengths and priorities, not just athletic prowess.
Providing historical context, the study acknowledges the impact of events like the Cold War and globalization.
The book uses a data-driven approach, supplemented by qualitative analysis, to build its argument progressively across chapters and offers insights for sports organizations and policymakers.
