Split decisions
Virginia swimmers were in the spotlight this week, with stunning highs and devastating upsets at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Current and former Hoos Kate Douglass, Paige Madden, Gretchen Walsh, and Emma Weber earned a stunning 11 medals. Returning Olympian Douglass won gold in the 200 breaststroke, the first Cavalier to ever win gold in an individual event.
In the relay pool, Douglass, Walsh, and Weber also won the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay, setting a new world record in the event. Walsh added yet another gold medal and world record to her resume in the mixed 4×100 medley relay, tying the all-time record for fastest 100-meter butterfly split.
UVA alumna Paige Madden also had a stellar showing in both individual and relay events, taking home silver in the women’s 4×200-meter free relay and bronze in the 800-meter freestyle.
The women’s 200-meter individual medley final was a mixed bag for the Hoos. While Douglass added a silver medal to her repertoire, Alex Walsh finished with the third best time but was disqualified due to an illegal turn when switching from backstroke to breaststroke.
Local high schooler Thomas Heilman won his first Olympic medal, achieving silver as part of the men’s 4×100-meter medley relay. The UVA 2029 commit swam well but did not progress to the final in either of his individual events.
Bigger and better
Charlottesville’s Sabroso Festival is set to be bigger than ever this year, with the event moving from Washington Park to Ting Pavilion on the Downtown Mall.
The Latin American culture festival—set for September 21 from 1 to 10pm—will feature activities and entertainment for people of all ages, including live music, dancing, and face-painting. Last year’s celebration saw roughly 4,500 attendees, prompting the move to a larger venue. Salvadoran band La Maquina will headline the event.
This year marks the 12th annual Sabroso Festival hosted by Sin Barreras, a local nonprofit that advocates for immigrants and the Latinx community.
“Cville Sabroso is our Latino community’s way of sharing our vibrant cultures (beautiful music and dances, food, crafts, and traditions) and our love of Mexico, Central America, and South America with the broad[er] Charlottesville community,” shared Sabroso Fest and Sin Barreras co-founder Fanny Smedile in a August 1 release.
According to festival chair Andrea Jacobs, support for the expansion has been ample and exceeded the organizers’ expectations. “We’ve already blown past our initial goal of 20 committed sponsors and exhibitors by August 1, and we’re expecting all the available booths to be taken by mid- to late August,” she shared.
For more information on Cville Sabroso Festival, visit the event’s Facebook page or the Sin Barreras website.
Help wanted
Charlottesville Police responded to two instances of shots fired this week and are seeking public assistance locating a suspect in connection with an earlier incident. No injuries have been reported in connection with the shootings at the 900 block of Grady Avenue and the area of Prospect Avenue and Bailey Road, which occurred on July 31 and August 2 respectively. Casings were found on or near both scenes. CPD is also searching for Gustavo Junior Laurent in connection with a July 28 shooting on East Market Street.
Tonsler tipoff
The Tonsler League kicked off its annual playoffs on August 4, with teams Elite Company, Takeover, Ballywood, and Hitlist progressing to semi-finals on August 8. Undefeated champs Elite Company play Ballywood at 6:30pm, with Takeover set to face Hitlist at 7:30pm. The top two teams will meet in the playoff final at 7:30pm on August 10. Before tipoff for the men’s final, the Tonsler League will host a women’s tournament from 5 to 7pm that evening. All events are free and open to the public.
Wheel-y good
Cyclists with Journey of Hope will stop in Charlottesville on August 7 before continuing their 4,000-mile cross-country trip. This year marks the 37th annual trek to raise awareness for people with disabilities. The cyclists will pedal into town at 3:15pm on August 7, visiting local partner CrossFit SPRC at 943 Second St. SE.
