Over 100 former and current Big Ten student-athletes and coaches represented 32 countries in 24 sports at the 2012 Olympic games, winning 35 medals.

Michigan athletes won 12 medals, 4 of these going to former volunteer assistant coach Michael Phelps. Penn State athletes secured five medals, with Christa Harmotto and Megan Hodge winning silver in women's volleyball, and Natalie Dell involved in Team USA's women's rowing quadruple skulls bronze effort.

Minnesota athletes won four medals, with javelin thrower Barbara Spotáková winning gold for the Czech Republic, and Lindsay Whalen contributing to the USA basketball team's gold medal performance.

Nebraska athletes also won four medals, led by gold medalist USA freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs. Northwestern and Purdue athletes claimed three medals each, while Illinois and Indiana athletes each brought home two.