Task: Question Answering
Input (English): Problem: tough and tricky questions : combinations . 8 contestants representing 4 different countries advance to the finals of a fencing championship . assuming all competitors have an equal chance of winning , how many possibilities are there with respect to how a first - place and second - place medal can be awarded ? 
Options: a ) 6 , b ) 7 , c ) 12 , d ) 16 , e ) 24
Output (English): e