We’re well aware that many colleges in America have produced at least one Olympian for this year’s games in Beijing; and with 22 gold medals and 72 total for the US, these college athletes have undoubtedly played a major role in our nation’s lead in the overall standings. But would it be too much to say that we could do better?

After all, a remarkable number of US student athletes have chosen to compete for other countries despite their training in America. Not only have they competed in China, they’ve actually won; that is, for their respective countries. I’d say the US deserves a bit of credit for these wins. To think, we could add at least 5 more medals to our total, 3 of them being gold.

Here’s a sample of 2008 college Olympic medalists who should have represented the United States in Beijing:

Sara Isakovic
University of California – Berkeley (2012)
Slovenia, Swimming
Silver Medal: Women’s 200m Freestyle

Milorad Cavic
University of California – Berkeley (2006)
Serbia, Swimming
Silver Medal: Men’s 100m Butterfly

Adam Kreek
Stanford University (2006)
Canada, Rowing
Gold Medal: Men’s Eight

Ous Mellouli
University of Southern California (2006)
Tunisia, Swimming
Gold Medal: Men’s 1500m Freestyle

Dave Salo
University of Southern California (Swimming Coach)
Tunisia, Swimming (Men’s Assistant Coach)
Gold Medal: Men’s 1500m Freestyle (Ous Mellouli)

Mark Hunter
University of California – Los Angeles (Women's Rowing Assistant Coach)
Great Britain, Rowing
Gold Medal: Lightweight Double Sculls