Well done China

When I met with press attache Zhao Shangsen at London's Chinese Embassy on the eve of the Beijing Olympics he modestly told me that his country topping the medal table was less important than them hosting a successful Games.

But, on day five, the world's most populous nation reigns supreme among the roster of champions as they well deserve. They have 17 golds to next placed America's 10. Normally super powers Russia and America vie for top spot.

Finland, the little sports mad country of my mother, has exceeded its own expectations with a gold and bronze medal on the rifle shooting range. My fingers are crossed that national hero Tero Pitkämäki, the current world champion, will win an epic duel with the Norwegian Olympic gold medallist Andreas Thorkildsen in the men's javelin.

My father's Jamaica is tipped to win the 100m blue ribbon athletics event if there are no slip ups and world record holder Usain Bolt makes the final. Gosh, weren't my allegiances torn to shred when I attended the first Athletics World Championships in the Finnish capital, Helsinki in 1983 and Brit Tessa Sanderson was pitted against local favourite Tiina Lillak in the women's javelin final. (I was a javelin thrower of minor note, in fine Finnish tradition, at school). Sensationally, Lillak won with her massive last throw. But Sanderson went on to become Olympic champion - a much bigger prize for her.

Coloured hair and body pierced Phillips Idowu, of Hackney, east London, leads the men's triple jump world rankings with a mark of 17.58m. I really hope he brings a gold medal back to Britain.

I will be glued to the Tv as soon as the track field starts on Friday. The time difference between Beijing and London is going to play havoc with my sleep but the Olympics are only once every four years so to hell with it.

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