Thursday, August 2, 2012: Wilco - Impossible Germany

Moving through the countries participating in this years Olympics, let's shine the spotlight on Germany.

Best Sports: Historically very competitive in athletics, as well as canoeing and equestrian.

Star Performers: Birgit Fischer is considered the greatest canoeist of all time, raking in eight gold medals and four silvers over six Olympic Games. Her legacy is alive and well, and German canoeists will be hoping to make a splash in London. Reigning gold medalist in the K-1 canoeing class, Alexander Grimm, will be looking to defend his title. The equestrian team will also be strong, although "wonder horse" Totilas will miss the Games as his rider, Matthias Rath, suffered from glandular fever during the final Olympic selection trial event. Britta Steffen, double gold medalist in Beijing in the 50m and 100m freestyle swimming, will also be expected to triumph, while Betty Heidler, world record holder in the women's hammer, should challenge for gold.

Olympic Medal History: 413 Gold, 400 Silver, 447 Bronze

Medal Total: 1260 (Combined medals of modern Germany, East Germany, West Germany and the Unified Team of Germany)

Olympic Debut: 1896 (as Germany)

Total Games Appearances: 23

(All Olympic information is courtesy of The Telegraph, and their excellent Olympics Country Profile page).