Lauren Hopkins calculates that 26 nations would have been represented in Rio IF they had 36 finalists rather than 24.
26 nations! That’s exactly what the Olympics is all about.
36 Finalists, 3-Per-Country
Countries Represented: 19
Belgium (2), Brazil (3), Canada (2), China (2), France (2), Germany (2), Great Britain (2), Guatemala (1), Hungary (1), Italy (2), Japan (3), Mexico (1), Netherlands (3), Russia (3), Spain (1), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1), USA (3), Venezuela (1)
Non-Team Countries Represented: 7
Guatemala (1), Hungary (1), Mexico (1), Spain (1), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1), Venezuela (1)
In fact, Lauren argues for 36 finalists, maximum 3 / nation rather than the current 2 / nation.
I’m happy with 2 / nation but completely agree that it’s OBVIOUS that major competitions should have 36 all-around finalists. It’s stupid to have two apparatus empty during the Men’s AA.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 