The Cavaliers shone brightly at the recent FISU World University Games, wrapping up with an impressive medal tally. On the last day, they earned five individual medals: three golds and two silvers, and contributed to Team USA’s victory in the women’s 4×100 Medley Relay.
Emma Weber clinched her second gold by finishing the 100m Breaststroke in 1:07.09. Tess Howley swam a fantastic 200 Butterfly, earning her first medal with a time of 2:05.69. “A huge shout out to my family,” she said, acknowledging their support despite the late hours back home. “My coaches back home, I feel the love for sure.”
Maxine Parker also had a standout moment, winning gold in the 50m Freestyle with a time of 24.54. Along with her three relay golds, she truly excelled at these games. Meanwhile, David King and Cavan Gormsen both took silver in their individual events. King finished the 200 Backstroke in 1:56.00, missing the gold by just 0.09 seconds, while Gormsen earned his silver in the 400m Freestyle with a personal best of 4:07.64.
The final race of the Games saw three Cavaliers help secure gold in the Medley Relay. Weber swam the breaststroke leg, Parker anchored the relay, and Leah Hayes also contributed in the prelims, showcasing the strength of their team. Team USA dominated the relays, taking gold in all eight events.
By the end, Virginia athletes had amassed a total of 19 golds, two silvers, and a bronze, showcasing their incredible talent and hard work throughout the competition.
On the preceding days, the Cavaliers kept impressing. On July 22, Leah Hayes broke her own day-old FISU record in the 200 IM, finishing in 2:09.48, nearly two seconds ahead of her nearest competitor. “This isn’t just another race for me,” Hayes shared. After years of hard work, she recognized the mental barriers she had to overcome.
Cavan Gormsen matched her energy by securing her second overall gold in the 200 Freestyle, clocking in at 1:57.21. “It’s been one of the best weeks of my life,” she said, reflecting on her experience with Team USA.
On July 21, the Cavaliers continued their winning streak with David King and Maxine Parker contributing to a gold medal in the Mixed 4x100m Freestyle relay. Parker finished strong with a time of 3:24.27, setting a new FISU record. Both swimmers also made waves in individual events, with Hayes setting another record in the 200 IM.
Even in the earlier days of the competition, the Cavaliers were making their mark. On July 20, they added to their medal count in the 4x200m Freestyle Relay, with Hayes and Gormsen playing key roles in securing another gold. Their teamwork and determination stood out, allowing Team USA to finish 5.35 seconds ahead in a record-setting performance.
Throughout the competition, the Cavaliers not only highlighted their individual skills but also demonstrated the power of hard work and unity. Their journey at the Games serves as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved with dedication and teamwork.
The FISU World University Games are a significant event that brings together student-athletes from around the globe. According to recent statistics, nearly 3,500 athletes from 170 countries participated this year, emphasizing the global nature of the competition. The enthusiasm shown by athletes and their supporters, especially on social media, created a lively atmosphere, with hashtags trending as fans celebrated accomplishments and shared moments of pride.
The success of the Cavaliers is a testament to their commitment and preparation. Their hard work has not only earned them medals but also a solid reputation in the swimming community. You can read more about the Games and results on the official FISU website.
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