huolympics1-1, Exercise 2: Why per-head tables mislead

Model answer (any three):

1. Denominator: it is unclear whether to use the population today or at the time of each Games, and population has changed.
2. Small numbers: a very small nation with a single medal can top the table, which tells us little.
3. Sport mix: a nation concentrating on sports with many events, such as swimming or athletics, can win more medals more easily than one in a sport with a single event.
4. Successor states: the way a table treats countries that no longer exist affects the ranking.
5. Resources: medals reflect money, training and tradition as well as population, and a per-head figure hides this.

Details should be checked.