Olympics: Top-30 ranking for the Kiwi gold medallists

New Zealand seem sure to hold on to their ranking in the world's top 30 Olympic nations by the end of these Games.

After 27 editions of the modern Olympics, New Zealand sit in 30th place in terms of gold medals won, with 30.

And that figure doesn't include their first gold, won by swimmer Malcom Champion in 1912 at a time when New Zealand and Australia competed for "Australasia".

In 31st place is Yugoslavia with 26 gold, but they are no threat to move ahead at Athens as the country is now represented by six independent republics.

Next are Spain, on 25, and Greece with 24, who could move up if their athletes respond to home-town support.

New Zealand could potentially move past the team one place in front of them, Turkey on 33, but 28th-placed Belgium are probably safe with 36.

Not surprisingly the United States lead the way overall with 858 gold medals, well clear of the former Soviet Union, who compiled 395 before they split into smaller countries.

Third are Britain on 176, followed by France on 173. Australia are 10th on 100.

The 29 countries ahead of New Zealand all have greater populations, reinforcing New Zealand's reputation as one of the premier nations in terms of medals won per head of population.

- NZPA