By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Athens Olympics open six months from today. One local athlete has already qualified: Loveland native Becky Jasontek, in synchronized swimming.

Six months ago, the Enquirer profiled a group of 20 U.S. Olympic hopefuls with Tristate ties. All but one, Jamie Hamilton in women's taekwondo, remain in contention to some degree. Surveys of officials from various governing bodies identified nine sports in which locals are pursuing Olympic spots.

Locals will get a crack first in boxing - beginning Monday with the Team Trials in Tunica, Miss. Ron Siler (flyweight) and Rau'shee Warren (light flyweight) are among top contenders in their respective weight classes. The Box-offs for final spots are Feb. 27-28 in Cleveland.

Siler is considered even money to make the U.S. team. Some others expected to make the

Olympics were there in 2000: Bryan Volpenhein, Greg Ruckman and Kelly Salchow in rowing, Jason Parker in shooting and Nate Dusing in swimming.

Jason McKittrick, an alternate in archery in 2000, could qualify. And Heather Mitts is in the hunt for one of the final women's soccer spots.