U.S. leads in Olympic medal count

Wednesday, the United States eclipsed China in Olympic medals, 81-77. The U.S. surged ahead thanks in large part to the efforts of Allyson Felix, who took gold in the women's 200 meters, and Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, who beat another pair of Americans as they won their third straight Olympic gold in women's beach volleyball.

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As it stands, the U.S. has earned 33 gold, 22 silver and 25 bronze medals. China is a close second, with 36 gold, 22 silver and 19 bronze medals. Russia and Great Britain are neck and neck in their battle for third. The Russians have 52 medals, while the Brits have 48. But the host country has twice as many gold medals -- 22 to 11.

To date, 76 countries have earned medals, leaving the rest of the world in a really big tie for 77th place.

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U.S. women will have a chance to increase the gold count Thursday, competing in the finals of soccer, water polo and boxing.

Related Olympic coverage on Yahoo! Sports:

More London Olympics coverage on Yahoo! Sports:
• Dismissed Algerian runner returns to win 1,500m final
• Video: Track star Allyson Felix's intense workout
• Video: Why can't women break world records in track?