Topping the medals haul would be another first for China. No small accomplishment, considering China debuted in the Los Angeles Games in 1984.

Medals tables run counter to the philosophy that the Olympics unite the world because they create divisions between winners and losers. Nowhere in the Olympic Charter is a requirement that Games results be tabulated by country. Yet that is the measure by which nations great and small measure their prowess in sport. The medal tally has become an inescapable part of every Olympics.

Still, the primacy of athletes over country has guided the IOC when confronted with athletes who are stateless due to political changes, such as the former Soviet republics at the Barcelona Olympics or East Timor in Sydney.

But when it comes to how the rest of the world keeps score, which country wins the most medals appeals to the nationalism of each of the 205 nations and territories that comprise the Olympic Family.

National flags are part of the scene at the Olympics, waved by loyal supporters who travel to the Games no matter the distance. But in Beijing, those banners may have to jostle for position among a sea of red flags for the home team.

Whether the flags are part of good-natured enthusiasm or blatant nationalism will be an important distinction to make in Beijing.

Unfortunately, scenes along the international torch relay would seem to indicate that national fervor might trump the spirit of fair play.

Masses of Chinese flags on the relay route were unlike anything we've seen, even in the U.S., which is the perennial gold medalist in flag-waving. Cheers of "Go China!" heard among the torch relay crowds and scuffles between pro-China spectators and critics of China lent an uneasy tone to an event that is supposed to be free of politics.

Yes, the Tibet independence protestors spoiled it all in the first place with their flag waving and sometimes fitful encounters with the torch relay. But the response of the faithful to the China bashers may result in these Games becoming China versus the rest of the world.

It's not a good recipe for sportsmanship and fair play.

China's athletes will be put to high expectations for their performance in Beijing. So too will Chinese spectators, who will easily outnumber the rest of the world in the grandstands.

Let it be said when the Games draw to close on August 24 that China -- as well as fans from around the world -- cheered all the competitors, no matter which country tops the medals table.

That's the sort of world-building the Olympics are meant to bring.

Op Ed is a weekly column of opinion and ideas from Around the Rings. Comments, as well as guest columns are welcomed: comment@aroundtherings.com