St. Joe's Alum Renee Hykel makes US Olympic rowing team

POZNAN, POLAND - Renee Hykel, a 2001 Saint Joseph's graduate, has qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games as a member of the United States Rowing Team. She joined with Jennifer Goldsack in the lightweight women's double sculls tandem on the final day of racing at the 2008 FISA Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in Poznan, Poland.

With only the top two finishers in the lightweight women's double sculls earning spots in the 2008 Olympic Games, the U.S. tandem of Goldsack and Hykel finished second to The Netherlands' Marit Van Eupen and Kirsten Van Der Kolk, the defending Olympic bronze medalists. Goldsack and Hykel sat in second place at each of the 500-meter splits. The Netherlands won the race with a time of 7:10.53, while the American crew crossed the line in a 7:13.69. Poland, who led for the first 500 meters, finished third in 7:17.44.

Hykel, from Haverford, Pa. (Haverford H.S.), was a four-year oarswoman for Saint Joseph's. A member of the U.S. National Team, she competed at the World Championships in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2005, while winning a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships.

Hykel will next compete in the Rowing World Cup Series, which will be held this weekend (June 22) in Poznan.