BEIJING?If only Natalie Coughlin elected to swim for her mother?s country of birth.

The United States? Olympic winner in the 100-meter backstroke could have given the Philippines its first Olympic gold medal if it only has a better swimming program and more lucrative opportunities than California.

Coughlin is of Filipino and Irish heritage and lives in Lafayette, California. She credits her success to her dad Jim, a Vallejo police officer, and mom Zennie who pushed her to swim competitively at an early age.

Natalie, according to the Asian Journal, has a soft spot for her lola (grandmother), who loves to cook for her, especially Filipino dishes like chicken adobo.

The head of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association said Coughlin (pronounced as cog-lin)?the first swimmer in Olympic history to retain her 100m backstroke crown?is very approachable to her Filipino peers in Beijing.

?She?s kind and very approachable and she?s proud of her roots,? said PASA president Mark Joseph.

Coughlin lost her world record to Zimbabwe?s Kirsty Coventry, the eventual silver medalist, in the semifinals but came back strong in the finals to snatch the gold.

Her lips were still bleeding when she received her gold medal. A US coach said she had bitten her lip during the race to distract her from the pain in her legs.

There were indeed efforts in 2003 and 2004 to tap Coughlin and include her in the RP team to the Southeast Asian and Asian Games.

?At that time, there was no strict FINA (international swimming federation) rules on residency, so in theory she could swim for the US at world and Olympic levels and for the Philippines in SEA Games and the Asiad,? said Joseph.

In September 2004, however, the International Olympic Committee passed a rule requiring three years? residency for any athlete wishing to represent another country in all international competitions.

Joseph said Coughlin did not go to the extent of turning down PASA?s offer.

?Frankly, a swimmer will know where the best opportunity is,? said Joseph. ?The US takes care of her and she earns millions (in salaries and endorsements).?

The PASA eventually found Fil-Ams Christel Simms and Daniel Coakley, who are both born in Hawaii, as well as James Walsh, who is from Virginia Beach, Florida.