Villanova University

Aug. 13, 2004

ATHENS, GREECE - Four Villanova University alumnae will compete in the 2004 Summer Olympics that are set to begin this weekend in Athens, Greece. The opening ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, August 13 with official competition beginning on Saturday, August 14. All four Villanovans participating in this year's Olympics are former Wildcat track & field stars including Carmen Douma-Hussar (Canada), Sonia O'Sullivan (Ireland), Jen Rhines (United States) and Carrie Tollefson (United States). Douma-Hussar and Tollefson will compete in the 1,500 meter run, O'Sullivan is entered in the 5,000 meter run, while Rhines will run in the marathon. O'Sullivan is making her fourth consecutive appearance in the Olympic Games and Rhines is competing in her second-straight Olympiad. In the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, O'Sullivan became the first Villanova female to earn an Olympic medal when she garnered the silver in the 5,000 meter run. Villanova has had a long history of Olympic success. The school's first Olympian was J.E. O'Connell in 1908 and dating back to 1948 at least one Villanovan has competed in every summer Olympics. All total, Villanova has had 47 Olympians in its history combine for 12 medals, including eight gold and four silver. On October 23, 2004, the Villanova Athletics Department will honor its Olympic history by inviting all Villanova alums who have competed or coached in the Olympics back for the "Villanovan Olympian Gala." The event will be held at the Hilton Philadelphia Hotel. Call 877-434-1500 for more information on the event.

2004 Villanova Olympian Schedule (all times ET):


1,500 meter run (Carmen Douma-Hussar/Carrie Tollefson)

Tuesday, Aug. 24 - Round One, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 26 - Semifinals, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 28 - Finals, 1:30 p.m.


5,000 meter run (Sonia O'Sullivan)

Friday, August 20 - Round One, 4:15 p.m.

Monday, August 23 - Finals, 3:00 p.m.


Marathon (Jen Rhines)

Sunday, August 22 - Finals, 11:00 a.m.