Ever since Princeton University Professor William Sloane served on the international committee that brought about the modern Olympic Games, Princeton University has played an active part in the Olympic tradition.

Several current students hope to uphold that tradition in Atlanta, although they do not know yet - as of mid-May - whether they will make the Olympic cut. These include Scott Anderson, training to run 1,500 meters; Gabriella Salick, looking for a show-jumping spot on the U.S. equestrian team; and discus thrower Alex Kolovyansky.

Additionally, Princeton students Ugwunna Ikpeowo and Daphne Hernandez hope to represent their home countries. Ikpeowo hopes to compete in the long jump for Nigeria while Hernandez will dive for Costa Rica.

In 1896, when the first modern games were held in Athens, several first, second and third place finishes went to then-Princeton University students (awarding gold, silver and bronze medals did not begin until 1908). This was before the advent of national teams, when athletes competed as individuals.

According to "A Princeton Companion," Robert Garrett, class of 1897, set a Princeton record in the revived games that has yet to be equaled. Garrett took first place in the shot put and the discus throw (an event in which he had never competed), second in the long jump, and third in the high jump. Garrett returned to the Olympics four years later when they were held in Paris and placed third in the shot put.

Two other Princeton grads came home with Olympic history in the 1896 games. Garrett's classmates Herbert Jamison, who took second place in the 400-meter run, and Albert Tyler, also second place, in the pole vault.

In Paris with Garrett in 1900, Frank Jarvis won first place in the 100-meter dash and John Cregan won second in the 800-meter run.

When the 1904 Olympics were held in St. Louis, three more Princeton students shone, all taking second place spots: William Coe in the shot put, John DeWitt in the hammer throw, and G.P. Serviss in the high jump.

The University's first gold medalist was Karl Frederick during the 1920 games in Antwerp. Frederick placed first in the free pistol shooting at range of 50 meters. Henry

Breckinridge took a bronze medal in those games as a member of the United States foil team. The University was represented with medal winners in games from 1924 through 1936. In 1964 in Tokyo, William Bradley, well-known today as the former New York Knickerbockers basketball star and U.S. Senator from New Jersey, brought home the gold as captain of the U.S. basketball team, which beat the then-U.S.S.R. in the final game 73-59.

That same Olympics, Jed Graef set a world and Olympic record with his 200-meter backstroke (2 minutes, 10.3 seconds) and Seymour Cromwell took silver in double sculls.

The University's first woman student medalist was Carol Brown, who won a bronze as a member of the women's eight-oared crew in Montreal's 1976 games. Most recently, Nelson Diebel won the 100-meter breaststroke in Barcelona's 1992 games, and followed that up with a second gold in the 400-meter medley relay.

Princeton University also has been active on the Olympic sidelines. Former professors have served as vice-chairmen of the U.S. Olympic Committee and Asa Bushnell, class of 1921, served on that committee in various capacities. University physician Harry McPhee was head physician for U.S. teams in 1952, 1960 and 1964, while Edward Zanfrini, the University's head trainer, took the head trainer position for U.S. teams in games from 1952 to 1968.

This year, head track and field and cross country coach Fred Samara will coach the decathlon team for the third time (he competed himself 20 years ago and placed second for the U.S. after gold medalist Bruce Jenner). Men's crew coaches Curtis Jordan and Mike Teti will head to Atlanta for a new event: men's lightweight four-without-coxswain. And women's swim coach Susan Teeter-Eggert will serve as manager of the 63-member U.S. swimming team.

For more information on the Olympic Torch Relay through Mercer County, contact Linda Martin of the United Way of Greater Mercer County, (609) 637-4910.