August 30, 2004

Athletes With Ties To UConn
Take Part In Summer Olympics

Nine athletes with ties to UConn, representing five different countries, took part in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

At the time of going to press on Thursday, the U.S. men's basketball team was scheduled to play in the semifinal on Friday against the winner between Argentina and Greece, after winning the quarterfinal against Spain Thursday; and the U.S. women's basketball team was scheduled to play Russia in the semifinals on Friday. Dudley Dorival was scheduled to compete in the semifinals of the 110-meter high hurdles on Thursday. Those competing in other sports were no longer in the running for medals.

Sue Bird, United States, women's basketball
The 2002 national player of the year, who led UConn to national championships in 2000 and 2002, made her first Olympic appearance this year.

Swin Cash, United States, women's basketball
A standout performer for the Huskies from 1998-2002, she was in her first Olympic games.

Dudley Dorival, Haiti, men's track and field
A four time All-American at UConn from 1995-97, he represented the birthplace of his parents in the Olympics. He also competed at the 2000 Olympic games and finished seventh in the 110-meter hurdles.

Abed Kaaki, Lebanon, men's swimming
An incoming freshman at UConn with Lebanese citizenship, he made his first Olympic appearance.

Emeka Okafor, United States, men's basketball
He led the Huskies to the 2004 NCAA Championship and was the Academic All-American of the Year in 2004. He made his first appearance in the Olympics.

Rashidat Sadiq, Nigeria, women's basketball
An incoming junior college player for UConn this fall, she represented Nigeria in her first Olympics.

Peter Soteropoulos, Greece, baseball
A four-year standout for the Huskies from 2000-03 and now a member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization, he was a member of the Greek team. He was making his first Olympic appearance.

Diana Taurasi, United States, women's basketball
The national player of the year in 2003 and a three-time All-American, she led UConn to three-straight national titles and made her first Olympic appearance.

Maria Yatrakis, Greece, women's soccer
A goalkeeper for the Huskies from 1999-2002, she made her first Olympic appearance as part of the Greek team.