Eight Olympians who need to have their passports checked

Every two years, the Olympic Games consume us. We adopt athletes that we meet on television as our own. It's as though they're a member of our own families. We might even want to serve them Sunday dinner.

Ultimately, they provide the greatest source of patriotism and the desire to pound our chests that we, at any other time of year, wouldn't necessarily have the desire to do. 

But it's this short-lived, self-serving love affair that draws attention to those who manipulate nationality and, ultimately, IOC loopholes to their advantage. We loathe an athlete that spurns our nation, we root against one who threatens our own, but, on the other hand, we have no trouble rooting for a "nice story" - as long as it doesn't affect us. 

Here's a list of athletes who have swapped affiliations and will either infuriate us, temporarily warm our hearts, or, well, will just be there. 

Vic Wild - born in the United States, competes for Russia

After he failed to qualify for the U.S. men's snowboard team four years ago, Wild took advantage of his marital status, assuming the nationality of his wife, and representing Russia on the slopes. But this isn't just a read-through; Wild won bronze at the 2013 World Championships for the Olympic hosts.  

Dale Begg-Smith - born in Canada, competes for Australia

A gold medalist in moguls in 2006, Begg-Smith was villainized at the 2010 Games in Vancouver after locals learned of his betrayal. In the end, a Canadian, Alex Bilodeau, reaffirmed Canadian pride by capturing gold, but in Sochi, Begg-Smith has the opportunity to earn three medals in three successive Olympics - all for Australia. 

Anthony Lobello - competed at the 2006 Games for the United States, now competes for Italy

In Sochi, Lobello will become the first athlete to compete for two different nations at the Winter Olympics. In 2006, he competed in short track for the United States, but, after failing to qualify four years later, he realized an opportunity that his grandfather's roots would provide, gaining a second citizenship to represent Italy in 2014. 

Petr Nedved - represented Canada in 1994, will compete for his native Czech Republic

During a contract dispute early in his hockey career, Nedved gained his Canadian citizenship and competed at the 1994 Games in Albertville. Now, two decades later, and seven years removed from the NHL, Nedved will compete for the Czech Republic in Sochi.

Vanessa Vanakorn - born in Singapore, raised in Great Britain, but will compete for Thailand

Also known as Vanessa Mae, the famed British-Singaporean violinist will represent Thailand in alpine skiing in Sochi. Despite admitting that she's not even among the world's top 100 female skiers, the musician, benefited by her stepfather's citizenship, is one of two Thai's competing in the event. Oh, but money talks; Vanakorn is reportedly worth $52 million. 

Prince Hubertus Von Hohenlohe-Langenburg - born in Mexico as an Austrian descendant of German royalty, competes for Mexico

At 55 years of age, Hohenlohe-Langenburg will be the second-oldest Winter Olympian in the celebration's history when he suits up in Sochi's slalom event. Aided by the benefit of his half Mexican grandmother, he will be competing in his sixth Olympics - all for Mexico.

Gary di Silvestri and Angelica Morrone di Silvestri - American and Italian-born respectively, the pair will compete for Dominica

The Di Silvestris have translated philanthropy to an Olympic appearance. The married couple will be the first two athletes to ever represent the Caribbean nation at the Winter Olympics. They were given citizenship seven years ago in gratitude and have certainly capitalized, utilizing the title to participate at Sochi's cross-country skiing events.