Todd DeSorbo’s vision for University of Virginia swimming seven years ago was to emulate Cal Berkeley. Talk about aspirational.
Like UVa, Cal is an academically renowned public institution. Unlike the Cavaliers, the Golden Bears had long been winning national championships and producing decorated Olympians.
The Golden Bears have won eight men’s NCAA titles and four women’s, thanks in part to Olympic gold medalists such as Ryan Murphy, Matt Biondi, Nathan Adrian, Dana Vollmer, Natalie Coughlin and Mary T. Meagher.
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Virginia coach Todd DeSorbo celebrates the Cavaliers' 2022 national championship.
But DeSorbo was prescient, affirmed as he prepares to coach the Virginia-flavored United States women’s team at this summer’s Paris Olympics.
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“I didn’t have a doubt (about UVa),” said DeSorbo, hired in 2017 after six years as NC State’s associate head coach. “I was confident we could get to this point. I just didn’t know how quickly we could do it. It’s been significantly faster. To me, it’s a lot like Cal Berkeley. …
“I don’t know that anybody in the country would have believed that we would have won four (women’s national championships) in a row six or seven years ago.”
The Cavaliers’ NCAA titles in 2021, ’22 and ’23, plus an assistant coaching role at the 2021 Tokyo Games, earned DeSorbo the big whistle for Paris. But his Olympic duties did not slow Virginia’s roll to a fourth consecutive national championship in March.
Indeed, with a roster led by 2024 Olympians Gretchen Walsh, Alex Walsh and Emma Weber, the Cavaliers won the NCAA meet by a comfortable margin over runner-up Texas.
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Gretchen Walsh reacts after winning the women's 100 butterfly final Sunday at the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.
Therein lies the challenge for coaches at elite college programs. Manage your top athletes through the short-course (25-yard pools) season, all the while plotting for the long-course (50-meter pools) schedule of U.S. trials and Olympics/World Championships.
In a meeting prior to Virginia’s season, Gretchen Walsh asked DeSorbo if she should be worrying about the Olympics.
“We have a saying: Overthinking kills your happiness,” DeSorbo said. “I really don’t want them thinking about (the Olympics). I keep telling them, ‘Let me think about it. I’ll develop a program and plan for you. I know the goal. It’s my goal for you, too.’
“We use the NCAA season as a positive distraction towards that ultimate goal of making a U.S. Olympic team or World Championship team. … If you’re developing short-course, you’ll also be developing long-course.”
The calendar also helps. The one-month lag between the ACC and NCAA championships mirrors the time between the U.S. trials in June and Paris late this month.
“Having NCAAs is such a fun experience itself,” said Gretchen Walsh, the ACC female athlete of the year. “The last two months of championship season are such a blast and a great bonding experience for our whole team.”
Gretchen Walsh set a world-record in the 100-meter butterfly at the Olympic trials, where she, sister Alex, Weber and former Cavaliers Kate Douglass and Paige Madden qualified for Paris. They are scheduled to swim a combined nine individual races and two relays.
Thomas Heilman, a 17-year-old from Crozet committed to UVa for 2025, is set for the 200- and 100-meter butterfly after finishing first and second, respectively, in those events at the trials. Moreover, Virginia’s Aimee Canny will be competing for South Africa in the 4x200 free relay.
Madden, Douglass and Alex Walsh competed and earned medals at the Tokyo Games as well.
Douglass, who won the 200 breaststroke, 100 freestyle and 200 individual medley at last month’s Olympic trials, concluded her college career in 2023 but remained in Charlottesville to train with DeSorbo and pursue her master’s degree in statistics. DeSorbo considers her recruiting class foundational to the program.
“He’s always known what I’ve been capable of,” Douglass said, “and I’m finally realizing that myself. So having him by my side has definitely just helped me be more confident in myself, set big goals and know I can accomplish them if I put in the work.”
Like DeSorbo, men’s Olympic coach Anthony Nesty of the University of Florida was a U.S. assistant three years ago in Tokyo. Competing for Suriname in the 100 fly at the 1988 Games, Nesty became the first Black swimmer to win Olympic gold, denying favorite Biondi a sixth gold medal in Seoul by one one-hundredth of a second.
DeSorbo and Nesty roomed together at the Tokyo Games and pondered what they’d do as Olympic head coaches.
“The Olympics is the Super Bowl,” DeSorbo said, “but getting to the Super Bowl is more difficult than winning the Super Bowl. … It’s a little bit more about managing than coaching at this point and at this level. These athletes coach themselves. They’re their own best coaches.
“It’s the pinnacle of our sport, and there’s going to be a lot of pressure and a lot of stress. But we want to try and alleviate that by providing an environment where they’re enjoying themselves.”
While at NC State, DeSorbo helped develop 2016 Olympic relay gold medalist Ryan Held. With four in Tokyo and seven in Paris, Olympians have become routine at Virginia.
“That’s the biggest goal,” DeSorbo said. “We want to be able to do that every year, whether it’s the World Championships or the Olympics, and we want to build on Tokyo and Paris into (Los Angeles in 2028), and the hope is, the goal is, to have even more qualifiers when we go to L.A.”
Inside the 2024 Summer Olympics: What to see, where to stay and more
Inside the 2024 Summer Olympics: What to see, where to stay and more
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The 2024 Summer Olympics will take place in Paris from July 26 to Aug. 11. It marks the city's third time hosting the Summer Olympics after previously hosting them in 1900 and 1924. So, of course, a huge chunk of the Olympic events will be held in Paris. Neighboring cities like Saint-Denis, Le Bourget, Nanterre, Versailles, and Vaires-sur-Marne will also host certain events.
Way.com reports the opening ceremony of the event will take place in Jardins du Trocadéro on the Seine, and the closing ceremony will take place at Stade de France.
What to See
There will be 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries participating in 329 events in 32 sports at this year's Summer Olympics. This event promises everything from heart-stopping athletics and the magic of soccer to the graceful beauty of gymnastics. And don't forget to be there for the debut of breakdancing, as it was recently added to the Olympic roster.
Whatever sports you love and are most looking forward to in Paris 2024, you need to grab tickets early. And if you are wondering, "Ummm, where should I stay?" No sweat; we've got you covered.
Where to Stay
We all know Paris is a bustling metropolis, so finding a place to stay, which is also the case at the time of the Summer Olympics, can be tricky.
Stays Near Parc des Princes
If you're into soccer and want to see some of the hottest talent in that arena, stay near Parc des Princes. Paris Saint-Germain's home ground is set to host the group stage games and gold medal matches. Imagine getting to see your favorite players battling it out for gold.
Suite Paris – This could be a good choice if you're heading to Paris to watch the Olympics with your family or friends. It has rooms that accommodate four people.
Hotel Paris Boulogne – This is one of the best-reviewed stays near the Parc des Princes. The hotel is roughly 1.1 miles away from the stadium.
Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris MGallery Collection – With being just 0.2 miles away from Parc des Princes, what more could you ask for? But with closeness in mind, the possibility of the hotel being sold out is more than a safe bet.
Daumier – New 2 bedroom flat near the Seine – The view of the Paris river adds beauty to this lovely stay. This could be your stay if you have time to unwind rather than enjoy sports.
Stays Near Stade Roland Garros
Stade Roland Garros will host tennis. The boxing finals are also scheduled to take place here. You can catch a glimpse of some great professional tennis players from around the world.
Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris MGallery Collection – This hotel is only around 0.3 miles from Stade Roland Garros. Which means the demand will be pretty high. So, if you dream of watching Novak Djokovic or Iga Świątek in action, consider booking it now.
Parici Hôtel Boulogne Billancourt – Okay, this place will give you serenity amid the hustle and bustle. It's a better place to relax after a busy day of watching sports.
Passy Eiffel Hotel – This is one of the best values for a stay if you're looking for one near Stade Roland Garros. Although it's about 1.9 miles from the stadium, this stay is worth it.
Stays Near Bercy Arena
Bercy Arena is the spot if you're heading to Paris for gymnastics. It will also be hosting the basketball finals.
Grand Hotel Dore – Enjoy the comfortable rooms and warmth.
Pullman Paris Centre-Bercy —This hotel provides all the luxuries you seek and pets are allowed. Meanwhile, this place is only about 0.65 miles away from the Bercy Arena.
Mercure Paris Bercy Bibliothèque – This place is all about aesthetics. In other words, this can be the perfect place to chill out while enjoying the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Paris 2024: Stars Set to Shine
We cannot predict who will attend the Summer Olympics 2024. But trust us, we've got a list of athletes who will be the biggest draws this summer.
Simone Biles – USA, Gymnastics
The artist who defies gravity should be looking forward to furthering her Olympic medal tally of seven. Simon Biles has been a highlight of the previous two Olympic games and is set to enter her third Olympics. At 27, she's ready to gain legendary status.
Katie Ledecky – USA, Swimming
The competitive swimmer and world record holder Katie Ledecky will be participating in her fourth Olympics at just 27. Meanwhile, she has already won seven Olympic gold medals and etched her name in history books. The rest of the world can't wait to see where her name ranks among the all-time greats.
Caeleb Dressel – USA, Swimming
Another seven-time Olympic gold medalist and holder of several records, Caeleb Dressel, will be looking to take his tally even higher. Will he beat the record set by Michael Phelps? We shall see.
Noah Lyles – USA, Track & Field
The young track and field sprinter will be confident as he goes for the gold medals in 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay track events. Also, winning the World Championships will be a massive boost to his confidence. Meanwhile, Letsile Tebogo from Botswana will be his nemesis.
Lionel Messi – Argentina, Soccer
What if Leo Messi actually shows up in Paris once again? The chances are slim due to Copa America, but never say never. The mercurial Argentine footballer has a knack for effortlessly pulling off miracles, so nabbing a second Olympic gold would be a walk in the park.
Wrapping Up
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris promises to be a must-see sporting event. If you're considering visiting Paris to experience the Olympics, plan your trip, learn about the venues, and arrange your stay as soon as possible. And have fun!
This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
Inside the 2024 Summer Olympics: What to see, where to stay and more
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