London 2012: The Countdown Series: Estonia

156 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics. Up next on the parade of nations: Estonia (EST).

The nation has participated in the summer Olympics since 1920. A total of 31 medals were won by Estonian athletes in these summer Games. Nine of those 31 medals happen to be gold medals.

There happened to be only one multiple medalist from Estonia. The late wrestler Kristjan Palusalu (pictured) won gold twice in his career, and both at Berlin 1936. At Berlin, those gold medals were in the heavyweight division of the Greco-Roman style.

Erika Salumae is another multiple gold medalist from Estonia, however she won both medals representing two different nations-Estonia and the former Soviet Union. Salumae, a cyclist, won both golds in the sprint at both Seoul 1988 for the Soviets and at Barcelona 1992 for Estonia.

The most recent gold medalist from Estonia in the summer Olympics is Gerd Kanter, who won gold at Beijing 2008 in the men's discus throw (athletics).

As of now, 17 Estonian athletes will compete in six events, including swimming and various athletics events.

Up next: Ethiopia