The Effect of Population Size, Economic Power, and the Athletic's Size on the Olympic Medals

This paper explores the relationship between nation's competitiveness and Olympic results of 2008 Beijing and 2010 Vancouver. We analyzed these data by correlation coefficient, regression analysis, and path analysis. We chose every nation which has at least one bronze medal as a unit of analysis. We found the following outcomes from the analysis of Beijing Olympic. First, the direct effect of population size on medals is positive but weak. Second, the indirect effect of population size on medals is positive and about twice larger than that of direct effect. Third, the direct effect of GDP on medals is negative and very weak. Fourth, the indirect effect of GDP on medals is positive and about ten times larger than that of direct effect. Fifth, the most effective path on medals is the number of athletics which come from population size and GDP. We also found the following outcomes from the analysis of Vancouver Olympic. First, the direct effect of population size on medals is statistically not important. Second, the direct effect of GDP on medals is positive and statistically significant. Third, the most effective path on medals is the number of athletics which come from GDP. We concluded that population is important variable in summer Beijing Olympic and that GDP is important variable in winter Vancouver Olympic.