By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Wyoming High graduate Greg Ruckman on Tuesday clinched a return Olympic trip, teaming with Steve Tucker to win the lightweight double sculls event at the Olympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland. Ruckman, 30, finished sixth in the 2000 Olympics in the lightweight fours. Tucker was 11th at those Olympics in the lightweight double sculls.

"It's great," Ruckman said. "You look at the people who do well in the Games, and they've usually been there before, paid their dues. Steve and I have both gone once before, so we'll see what happens."

Ruckman, who graduated from Harvard and now lives in Medford, Mass., teamed with Tucker last month to win the lightweight double sculls at the U.S. Olympic Trials. In that event, the United States had not earned automatic qualification slots for these Olympics at the 2003 World Championships, so the duo had to finish in the top four in Lucerne.

Ruckman and Tucker finished in 6:25.59 Tuesday, 2.2 seconds ahead of runner-up Czech Republic.

Ruckman could be joined at the Olympics by as many as three other rowers from Cincinnati. Kings grad Bryan Volpenhein, 27, and Walnut Hills grad Kelly Salchow, 30, were both 2000 Olympians and are likely to make the team again. St. Xavier grad Pat Todd, 24, is also a contender. They must wait until July 7, when U.S. coaches name their roster for other Olympic boats.

Ruckman becomes the fifth local product to qualify for the Athens. Games. The others are Ron Siler and Rau'Shee Warren in boxing, Becky Jasontek in synchronized swimming, and Jason Parker in shooting.

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E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com