Editor’s Note: This story is the fifth in a five-part series involving former LSU athletes competing in the professional ranks. The world turns its eyes every four years to one of the most historic sporting events in history: The Summer Olympics.LSU has produced nearly 80 Olympic athletes in basketball, swimming and diving, gymnastics, and track and field, 12 of whom medaled in their respective sport.Other than LSU’s lone basketball gold medal, won by Shaquille O’Neal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, 11 medals can be attributed to track and field.The track and field teams alone have produced 63 Olympic athletes since 1928. LSU track and field coach Dennis Shaver said the international success stems from the commitment and dedication of the athletes and coaches.”I think it’s a tribute to the way this program over the years has continued to develop elite-level athletes,” Shaver said. “It’s a tribute first to the athletes, but also [to] the commitment that [the coaches] make to helping our graduates continue on in every way.”The 15-year coach said many LSU Olympians come back and utilize the coaches and facilities and continue to be part of the “LSU family” even after graduation. Shaver and his coaching staff still commit time to helping these athletes improve year after year.”I think the commitment we’ve made toward that development has a lot to do with it,” Shaver said. “We’re constantly working hard as coaches to improve our training techniques and the training program to help the athletes be the very best that they can be.”LSU sent 12 athletes to Beijing in the 2008 Summer Olympics, including Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Richard Thompson, who was the only Tiger to receive a medal at the games. LSU also had several other athletes compete in the finals for their event.”In [the last] Olympics not only did we have quite a few there, we also had many finalists in events,” Shaver said. “I think that is an even bigger tribute. Getting to the Olympic Games is difficult enough, but getting to the finals … that sets you totally apart.”Shaver said he takes great pride in seeing his players competing at the highest level, constantly striving to be the best.”It’s exciting to say the least, and it gives us great pride,” Shaver said. “But the goal is to win a gold medal, so it’s a never-ending process. You focus on helping each and every athlete improve a little bit each year they’re here. If we do that, we’re going to be quite successful.”LSU has sent two gymnasts and 14 swimmers to the Olympics since 1988, including two Beijing Olympic swimmers. LSU swimming coach David Geyer said the success starts with attracting the first big recruit.”I think it’s with the institution as a whole being able to track international athletes through communication and recruiting,” Geyer said. “I think it’s a situation where you get that first one, and it sort of starts building off of that.”Geyer said he believes swimming is on the rise in terms of international success, and he hopes to build off of the success in Beijing.”In 2008 we had two former LSU athletes make the Olympic team. They go out and represent not only their country but the institution … you try to build upon that,” Geyer said. “Track has obviously had their success with Olympians … and I think swimming is going to be the same thing.”Geyer, recently promoted to co-head coach, said having Olympic swimmers come from the University is a huge recruiting tool. He also sees a bright future for swimming.”It looks like in 2012 we’re going to have at least two individuals representing their countries at the Olympics,” Geyer said. “And who knows what’s going to happen on the recruiting road that’s out there, too.”Shaver said the pride he feels for his athletes is mutual.”It makes us very proud — no question,” Shaver said. “But more importantly, they still and always will be connected to the program and this university. I think they take great pride in representing a lot of different entities when they’re in the Olympic Games and of course LSU is one of them.”—-Contact Mark Clements at [email protected].