The UA-Olympic tradition has been alive and well since 1960, when swimmer and UA student Patty Kempner won gold in the women’s 400-meter relay.

This year’s Olympics featured thirty athletes and coaches with ties to the UA. Some notable names participating were former softball players and national champions Jenny Finch, Caitlin Lowe and Lovieanne Jung, as well as coach Mike Candrea, former Gold Medalist swimmer Amanda Beard and All-American Lacey Nymeyer.

Also included was four-time All Pac-10 volleyball player Kim Glass and baseball player Jason Donald, to name just a few. Several UA athletes have already taken home medals and a few even captured gold.

Yet, does the inclusion of peers and former classmates in the Olympics heighten the anticipation of the games for current UA students? According to some students, with or without the UA, the Olympics always get top billing.

“”I watch the Olympics, because I have pride for my country. Honestly, at first, I didn’t know UA students were there!”” said Sarah Logan, a public relations junior. “”I did see Jenny Finch, but she’s alumni. I am proud that UA students were there, but really, I’d watch either way-Go America!””

Leticia Olguin, an education senior, shared Logan’s sentiments.

“”I have been watching the Olympics since the beginning, and I’m sad it’s ending,”” she said.

Sandra Triana, an agriculture and life sciences senior, also agreed with her classmates.

“”Honestly, I don’t care,”” she said. “”I’m going to watch the Olympics anyway.””

UA has had at least one student-athlete involved in the Olympics since Kempner initiated the trend in 1960. UA athletes accounted for one gold medal and seven silver medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Overall, the UA has collected 32 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze for a total of 62 metals over the past 48 years.