Home court advantage: It can be a powerful asset for any athlete. Four U.S. Olympians had a particular edge this February. Shannon Bharke, Joe Pack, Torin Koos and Kristina Joder are all U students, competing at some of the same facilities where they train.

Of these four athletes, two won medals. Bharke brought the United States its first medal of the Games, a silver in Women’s Freestyle Moguls. Pack also went home silver medalist in the Men’s Freestyle Arials. Koos and Joder?both cross country skiiers?didn’t fare as well against the dominant European competition, but represented their country and their school with dignity.

What does it mean to the rest of us students that we have Olympians as peers? If nothing else, they should serve as role models. Many of their competitors train full time, without a worry about studying, exams and parking. These four have found a balance between academics and athletics that is always hard to find.

It’s important to note that these four are non-traditional students. With the rigors of training, they have only been able to attend the U part time. Bharke is studying pharmacy, but hasn’t attended class since fall semester of 2000. Pack also faced the daunting decision of school or training. Lucky for us, he stayed on his skis and hurled himself through the air all the way to silver.

Koos, on the other hand, is a current student studying pre architecture and a member of the U ski team. Joder finished her parks, recreation and tourism degree in December. The two skiers are young for their sport?ages 21 and 23 respectively?in which the athletes usually peak closer to 30. They both hope to keep skiing and represent the United States in future Olympics Games.

Even if you’re jaded about the Games (which is so pas these days), you have to admit that its great the U and some of its students could play such an integral part in the Olympics. After all, the U won more medals than a lot of countries participating in the Games.