After a 12-month delay, and much confusion to whether or not the games were even going to take place this year, the Summer Olympics are finally underway in Tokyo, Japan.
With seven gold, three silver and four bronzes, the United States are currently leading the way in the medal count, followed by China (6G, 3S, 6B) and Japan (6G, 1S, 3B) — three countries who often lead the way in the most medal markets on sites like Betdaq.
However, Team GB have started putting medals on the board, racking up their first three gold medals in the early hours of Monday morning. So, as they look to close the gap on the leaders further, let’s take a look at Team GB’s medallists thus far*.
Gold – Adam Peaty – 100m breaststroke
Adam Peaty scooped Team GB’s first gold medal in the 100m breaststroke, becoming the first Team GB swimmer to defend their Olympic crown in the sport. The 26-year-old, who is the fastest person to ever complete the 100m breaststroke, was the massive favourite to win gold prior to the games, and he duly delivered for Team GB once more — completing the race in 57.37 seconds. His personal medal count now stands at; two Olympic golds, eight world titles and 16 European titles.
Gold – Tom Daley and Matty Lee – 10m synchronised platform diving
Having won bronze medals in London (2012) and Rio de Janeiro (2016), Tom Daley would have breathed a huge sigh of relief to finally win a gold for Team GB in Tokyo. A fantastic servant for his county over the last four Olympics, Daley joined forces with debutant Matty Lee in the 10m synchronised platform diving, and a score of 471.81 points was enough to land the duo their first gold medals, narrowly beating China to the top prize by 1.23 points, while the Russian Olympic Committee won bronze.
Gold – Tom Pidcock – Mountain bike cross county
Tom Pidcock added to Team GB’s medal haul on day three of the Olympics, securing gold in the men’s mountain bike cross country. The 21-year-old started 29th on the grid, but climbed a massive 26 positions in the first lap of the Izu Mountain Bike Course. In the third loop, he surpassed Nino Schurter, an eight-time mountain bike world champion, and Mathias Flückiger to obtain the lead, and he clearly had the gold medal in his sights, as he went on to win by some 20 seconds with a time of 1:25:14 — crossing the line with the Union Flag held proudly above his head.
Pidcock, who became the second Leeds-native to win gold for Team GB after Lee’s previous success, said: “It’s nothing like any other race. The Olympics just transcends any sport.
“You compete and represent your county and everyone in your country is behind you, no matter what sports they like. It’s just national pride, it’s unbelievable.
Alex Yee and Bradly Sinden secured silver in the men’s triathlon and men’s 68kg taekwondo on day two respectively, while Chelsie Giles won bronze in judo.
*Team GB medal count correct at the time of writing.