The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China is upon us. And that means that among these Olympians, college athletes are gearing up to take on the world’s best. Many people don’t realize that many college athletes compete in the Olympics.
However, especially with the NHL withdrawing participation in the Olympics this year, Olympic hockey will feature several NCAA players. And there are quite a few who could make an impact! Let’s take a look at how college athletes have been a highlight of many recent Olympic games and look at a few of the most excellent.
College Athletes in the Olympics
With so many stars appearing in the Olympics, especially in team sports like basketball in the summer and hockey in the winter, it’s hard to recall a time when professionals didn’t compete. However, it wasn’t until relatively recently that professional athletes could even compete in the Olympic games. In the early 1990s, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) adjusted its rules to allow professional athletes to compete in a limited number of sports.
However, for many Olympic sports, college athletes have always been a big part of the equation. Top universities eagerly recruit local and international student-athletes to bolster their athletic programs. Many college athletes have medaled in recent Olympic games and brought home the gold. And with the withdrawal of NHL players from this year’s Olympic games, we could see even more great performances from NCAA athletes.
Which Schools Are Leading the Pack?
University of Southern California, Stanford University, and the University of California, Los Angeles top the all-time medal count across college athletics. These colleges are well known for strong swimming programs and track and field athletes.
However, in the Winter Olympics, the majority of the student-athletes competing will be in ice hockey. Those students are more likely to come from schools in the Eastern US, such as Boston College and Boston University in Massachusetts, as well as Ivy League schools like Dartmouth and Harvard.
This year, more Olympic student-athletes will come from universities in Massachusetts than in any other state. It’s no surprise that those schools include Boston College, Boston University, and Harvard University.
Who Will Shine in 2022?
So, who are the college athletes to watch in 2022? It’s impossible to say for sure, but there are a few names that stand out. There are nearly two dozen current US college students expected to compete in the 2022 Olympics.
In women’s hockey, for example, Cayla Barnes could be a force to be reckoned with. She was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and she’s sure to be a top contender in Beijing. She is one of 15 players on the US women’s hockey team with previous Olympic experience.
In snowboarding, another familiar face will return for this year’s competition. Snowboarder Chloe Kim will compete in Beijing to defend her gold medal in the halfpipe. She has been balancing taking classes at Princeton with training for this year’s Olympics.
The Future of Collegiate Olympic Sports
While collegiate athletes have a storied history of achievement in the Olympics, that may change in the future. Unfortunately, we are seeing the future of collegiate Olympic sports being threatened.
The pandemic has caused major financial issues for many university athletics programs. Additionally, experts worry that the new Names, Images, or Likeness (NIL) rules will inflate TV-friendly sports like college basketball and college football to the detriment of other sports.
However, this unprecedented time also brings opportunities for collegiate Olympic sports to reinvent themselves and find creative solutions to survive. For example, colleges are experimenting with new ways to reduce costs around travel, staff, and facilities. The pandemic is demonstrating in clear and worrisome ways that the old model is no longer viable.
Only time will tell if these concerns come to fruition. But, in the meantime, we can still enjoy the amazing feats of college athletes in the Olympics this year!
Takeaways on Collegiate Olympic Athletes
The 2022 Winter Olympics are quickly approaching, and many college athletes are preparing to compete on the world stage. In past Olympic Games, many collegiate athletes have shined in various events. For example, the 2020 Summer Olympics featured a number of NCAA track and field stars who competed in Tokyo.
This year’s Winter Olympics will be no different, as many college hockey players will compete in Beijing, China. Who knows, maybe one of your favorite college athletes will end up taking home an Olympic medal!