Olympic Medal Count: Natalie Coughlin, Jessica Hardy, Amanda Weir Earn Pac-12 Bronzes

The Pac-12 is on the board in the 2012 Olympics, as three swimmers made big-time contributions to get the United States their first team swimming medal.

Natalie Coughlin came out in what could be her final race as an Olympian and swagged like she always has on the big stage. After finishing sixth in the Trials at the 100 meter relay, the former Cal Golden Bear turned out the best of the four relay legs in the 4 x 100 free relay to lift the United States to victory in their heat. Amanda Weir of USC also competed in that heat that put the USA just behind Australia in the overall legs. Neither competed in the final, ending their active participation in the London games.

Jessica Hardy earned sweet redemption with a solid swim of her own in the final. Four years ago she was forced to depart the American team after testing positive for a banned substance and was suspended from swimming for a pretty substantial period of time. Hardy came back from that though, and swam a solid second leg to keep the United States in medal position by keeping them ahead of favorites Australia. Australia pulled away afterwards to secure victory (and the Netherlands made a late rally to finish second)

Cal currently stands on top of the medal count with two bronzes in the Pac-12, with USC right behind them with one, although you'd have to guess that will start changing once the pace of the Games picks up.