WAR MEMORIAL HALL REOPENS AFTER 2 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION
Ayisha Surani | News editor
McComas Hall was the only available gym on campus during the War Memorial Hall renovations.
On Sept. 6 at 3:30p.m. the War Memorial Hall will host its grand reopening, according to Virginia Tech’s Recreational Sports (RecSports) department.
The building, facing the Drillfield across from Burruss Hall, sits between West Eggleston Hall and Campbell Hall.
The capital construction project began near the end of 2019 and revitalization lasted two years due to delays in construction.
Along with students, the hall is used by the School of Education and the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise also according to RecSports. Employees are also welcome to use the gym upon membership purchase.
During construction of War Memorial Hall, McComas Hall was the only gym on
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campus for students. According to Virginia Tech News, renovations include:
- New and expanded exercise and activity spaces
- Dedicated functional fitness space
- Mind and body studio
- Dance studio
- Wet classroom for aquatic and safety instruction
- Building system upgrades, including air conditioning
- Modernized general assignment
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classrooms
- Student gathering spaces
- Administrative offices
- Modernized locker rooms and bathrooms with family changing rooms and all-gender spaces.
At the reopening there will be campus leaders speaking, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, touring opportunities for visitors, facility tours and refreshments.
According to Virginia Tech News, employees on campus had an opportunity for a sneak preview between Aug. 15 and Aug. 19. The preview entails an opportunity for employees to test out equipment prior to the grand reopening. On these
dates, limited exercise classes were also offered during lunchtime.
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LIFESTYLES
STUDY ABROAD 101: PREPARATION TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GLOBAL ADVENTURES
Michaela Scott | lifestyles editor
Lifestyles editor Michaela Scott uses personal experience studying abroad to advise fellow travelers.
For Hokies who choose to study abroad, Virginia Tech’s Global Education Office (GEO) is an unparalleled source of information that can provide students with personalized program selection, global safety tips and logistical assistance. You might assume that you’re ready to hit the airport after registering for your trip and paying your program deposit, but don’t be fooled.
Beyond the GEO’s hub of expertise and guidance, it’s critical for students to consider additional components to reap the benefits of their study abroad experience. Whether you are studying outside of the U.S. for two weeks or leaving the States for a full semester, these hacks and tips will enrich your experience, helping you navigate through your journey with the same ease as a local.
Prioritizing safety is always No. 1
Checking in with the GEO about global safety prior to your trip is essential for locating risk management resources and international medical and security assistance. However, it’s also important for students to recognize several safety considerations outside of what the GEO can offer.
The official U.S. Department of State “Smart Traveler” app is an educational resource for study abroad students because of its frequently updated information on every country around the world. The application provides an extensive guide to any destination, detailing safety precautions, local laws, CDC recommendations, entry/exit/visa requirements, travel and transportation support, and U.S. embassies and consulates contact information. The app also provides a free service called Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which will assist travelers in the case of emergencies like natural disasters, civil unrest or a lost passport.
Students should also store emergency contacts on their phone and print a physical copy to keep on hand in case of an urgent medical or security situation.
Keep your health in check
Each study abroad destination can differ vastly from the next, so reading through the health guidelines on the “Smart Traveler” app can help you make informed decisions about medical necessities. It’s also vital to visit your
physician to discuss any immunizations or medications that you may need prior to departure. In addition to consulting with a healthcare provider before traveling, students should consider purchasing over-the-counter medicines when packing for their trip. Medications that are commonly available in the U.S., like Advil or Benadryl may be unlicensed or difficult to find in your host country, so it’s recommended to prepare for a potential headache, fever, allergic reaction or upset stomach before going abroad.
Make copies of everything valuable
It’s importantfor students to make copies of everything to prepare and prevent, rather than repair and repent. Students should take a photograph of their passport, credit/debit cards, identification card and vaccinations.
After taking photos of each travel document, print them into a physical copy and email them to yourself as an additional digital copy. If you accidentally lose any of these valuable documents, you will be equipped with several resources to resolve the situation.
Bring the right technology for your destination
Traveling abroad may give you a culture shock, but you should also be prepared for a technology shock ... literally. Students should purchase one or two voltage converters and adapters to ensure their devices will be supported by unique electrical outlets around the world.
There are 14 different electrical outlets and plugs around the globe, so if you plan on using a device that must be charged or plugged in, you should purchase an adapter plug for the outlet of your destination. Universal adapters that can change from Type A to Type N are also available online if you’re traveling to a variety of countries. The voltage of currents can vary in each country. For example, most American appliances use 110 volts, whereas European appliances are 220 volts, so plugging in a hot tool, like a laptop or curling iron could destroy your item, and even cause a fire. Buying a voltage converter will prevent a strong voltage charge from damaging your products.
Students should also consider bringing a portable charger or power bank, which can offer
peace of mind and convenience when on the go. Check/change your phone plan to avoid international fees
If you plan to call or text your family at home or simply just use data, it’s necessary to check in with your U.S. cell phone provider’s international service plans. It’s not uncommon for U.S. cell phone providers to charge high international fees. If your typical provider is out of your budget for studying abroad, there are several options to stay affordably connected.
There are two choices that are popular among study abroad students: Purchasing a local SIM card or an e-SIM. First, you must “unlock” your phone with your cellphone provider, which will allow your phone to be used on other compatible networks. Keep in mind that this may take up to a few days, so it’s vital to arrange in advance for your study abroad experience.
Then, locate an area in your host country where you can purchase a local SIM card, which is far cheaper than most U.S. international roaming fees. With just a passport and an ID, students can buy and insert a local SIM card into their phone, which may save money and provide stronger, reliable service.
Alternatively, e-SIMs are another common option for study abroad students because of their digital flexibility and convenience. This is another cost-effective cellphone plan option that can be set up before you even leave for your destination.
Know the weather during the time of your stay
Before departing on your trip, make sure to pay attention to the weather that you’ll be expecting when you are in your host country. Understanding your destination’s weather changes throughout the year can help you effectively pack your attire for your trip.
If you are unsure of the weather conditions of your destination, Weather Spark is an online resource that reports the climate by month, day or even hour in 145,479 locations worldwide. The in-depth weather reports include graphs of average temperatures, climate, precipitation, sunlight and so much more.
Learn some key phrases to connect with locals
If you plan on fully immersing yourself in your
host country, it’s key to learn a few phrases that will help you easily connect with locals if they do not speak English. It’s common for students to face language barriers. However, attempting to speak your host country’s language is much more appreciated by natives than assuming that people will speak English.
Before arriving, research your study abroad country and learn some basic phrases, such as “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you,” “good morning/night,” “have a nice day” and “where’s the bathroom?”
Download apps for navigating new environments
In 2024, there are thousands of apps that students can download before studying abroad to reduce their worries of the unknown.
In comparison to commonly used GPS apps, like Apple Maps and Waze, Google Maps usage metrics outweigh the popularity of others. With over one billion monthly active users worldwide and over five billion downloads on the Play Store, this application will be your reliable source for navigating new cities and locations. Google Translate is another essential app to download before departure because it can be extremely useful, especially in a predicament. The app offers translations from voice-to-text, text-to-text and camera translations. If you’re in a non-English-speaking country and can’t read a street sign or menu, simply aim your camera at it for a translation in seconds.
Depending on your travel destination, ridesharing apps may differ from popular U.S. services, like Uber and Lyft. For example, Bolt, an Estonian mobility company is a service used by over 200 million users in Europe, Africa, Western Asia and Latin America. As of March 2023, Bolt operates in over 500 cities and 50 countries, making it a valuable optionfor students studying abroad.
Studying abroad can be scary, but utilizing these tips may just position you for success and ensure a richer and more immersive experience while away. You may also learn some new skills, save some money and forge new connections. Are you ready to study abroad?
Welcome back, HOKIES!
Welcome to the start of a new academic year. You and your classmates are arriving at an exciting time for Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and around the commonwealth. We’ve expanded our learning spaces, added new course offerings, and planned some engaging events and activities that will round out the world-class educational experience you will receive this year.
Construction projects in the North Academic District made great progress over the spring and summer, and we are delighted to present Hitt Hall, the new Perry Place dining facility, and the Undergraduate Science Laboratory Building to all new and returning Hokies. These new buildings will enhance how we live and learn. The Transit Center, opening later this fall, will streamline access to all corners of our Blacksburg campus and beyond and also support alternative transportation options. And around the Drillfield, we are very pleased to open the renovated War Memorial Hall with updated academic space and greatly expanded fitness capacity. Thanks to everyone involved in bringing these important projects to completion.
Football season kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 31, with an away game at Vanderbilt. Our third annual football tailgate celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, when we take on Marshall at a sold out Lane Stadium. Let’s all get jumping to “Enter Sandman” and launch the season in true Hokie style.
It’s always invigorating to watch our campuses come alive again. We’re happy you’re here, new and returning students! Together, we will make 2024-25 a fantastic academic year for you and for Virginia Tech.
Let’s go Hokies!
Tim Sands, President
HOW-TO HOKIES: ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Emy Delaporte | lifestyles editor
Everything students need to know about Fall 2024, all in one place.
Whether you’re a first-time student or a well-seasoned senior, the academic calendar is instrumental to your progress toward graduation at Virginia Tech. At this point, everyone should be registered for classes; however, if your schedule is not what you want it to be, there’s still time to make changes. Let’s walk through the calendar, starting from the beginning of the school year.
August 26
Aug. 26 is the first day of classes and the last day to withdraw from the semester. If you withdraw by this date, you’re eligible for a full refund.
August 30
This is the last day to add courses. Although you are still able to drop courses for some time after this date, this is the last day where you can get a full refund toward a reduced course-load.
September 2
No classes are held on Labor Day, which is a Monday.
October 8
This is the last day of the window to change your grading modality from A-F to Pass/Fail (P/F), which opened with course registration. A-F is the
traditional American grading scale that most Tech students will be familiar with from high school.
P/F is a relatively restricted grading method designed to allow undergraduate students to try new or challenging subjects with a reduced risk of negative impact to your overall GPA. Each student may complete up to 12 hours P/F, excluding classes that are only offered as P/F.
To be eligible for P/F, a student must have completed at least 30 credits at VT and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. P/F cannot be applied to any class that is required for your degree program (major or minor), including Pathways courses unless only offered as such.
If you receive a D- or less in the class when registered as P/F, you will fail the course and it will be recorded on your transcript and factored into your GPA. If you get a D or above, the class will be counted as a “P” on your transcript and will not impact your GPA. You will receive credit for the course. Most classes will automatically register you as A-F. If a class is only offered as P/F, that course will not count against how many credits you may take with that modality.
This is also the last day where you can drop individual courses, for a 25% refund.
October 11
No classes will be held on Oct. 11, a Friday, for fall break.
October 28
This is the last day to resign from the university for the semester. It is also the last day to change grading modality from P/F back to A-F.
November 12
This is the last day to apply for graduation for Fall 2024 if you want your name to appear in the commencement program. This is also the last day to update your diploma mailing address.
November 20
This is the last day to request rescheduling for undergraduate final exams.
November 23 through December 1
No classes will be held during this time period for Thanksgiving break.
December 11
This is the final day of classes. This is the last chance to withdraw from classes, also known as applying for a “W.” Undergraduates may have up
to 3 “W”s on their transcripts upon graduation, which do not count towards your GPA. They will show as attempted hours.
December 12
This is Reading Day. No classes or exams will be held.
December 13-18
Finals will be held during this time.
If you have any questions or concerns about academic scheduling or alterations to your courses and their grading modalities, reach out to your academic advisors. To figure out who your advisor is, look at General Student Information in Hokie SPA or Navigate360.
Additionally, your professors and fellow students are also great resources.
It may also be important to keep in mind, if you’re considering resigning from the university, that refunds on dining and housing are different timelines.
Good luck this year, and go Hokies!
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The world of work is organized by industry, not by major. We practice a destinationoriented approach to career preparation.
We have identified 12 career pathways to guide undergraduate and graduate students to think beyond their majors, and discover broader connections to the workforce.
Career Advising
• Career exploration
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• Gain career experience
• Make an appointment in Handshake
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• What Can I Do With This Major? Vault - over 200 career guides
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• Career Planning Guide - resume and job search tips
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• Campus Student Employment Fair get a job on campus: Tues., Aug. 27, 2-5 p.m., Owens Ballroom
• Career Outfitters Pop-up free professional clothing: Wed., Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Smith Career Center
• Get the Scoop free ice cream and get to know us: Fri., Aug. 30, 12-3 p.m.,
DINING TOUR: WHERE TO SPEND YOUR DINING DOLLARS ON CAMPUS
Benjamin Gozzi | Lifestyles Staff writer
An all-encompassing guide to the food at Virginia Tech.
Dining facilities at Virginia Tech have earned nationwide recognition for more than a decade. With over 50 shops to satisfy your most intense cravings, on-campus dining options stand far and away as the most convenient and flavorful option. Whether in between classes or studying for a big test, the nine dining locations are perfect for any palate or taste.
Dietrick Hall
Dietrick Hall is most notable for D2, Tech’s only buffet-style dining option. Built in 1970, the hall is among the largest non-military dining halls in the United States and is home to additional options such as Deet’s Place, DX, Futurebites and Xpress Lane Market.
The hall’s many choices can accommodate even the most unique requests. On-campus students will find that DXpress is open solely for their late-night cravings, as the grab-and-go area is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Deet’s Place, a coffee shop in the corner of the first floor, provides baked goods, caffeinated drinks, sandwiches and a range of other items. Futurebites is a fusion of diverse cultures that students can explore through bowls and other options. D2 also provides students with a 67% discount if they use an on-campus dining plan. Ifyou’re stuck on where to eat during the first weeks of school, head to Dietrick Hall.
Hokie Grill
Home to the chain restaurants Pizza Hut, Chick-fil-A and Dunkin’, Hokie Grill is the
best spot for those who wish they could travel off-campus but cannot. Students can purchase personal pizzas, chicken sandwiches and baked goods within the dining facility, and can also choose to purchase barbecue at Virginia Tech’s Blue Ridge Barbecue. The spacious seating arrangement allows students to gather and enjoy themselves over conversation. While all restaurants except Dunkin’ are closed on Sunday, Hokie Grill is a great optionwhen you need food with little to no effort.
Owens Food Court at Owens Hall
If you’re looking for a global dish to satisfy your hunger, your first stop should be Owens Food Court. Home to 12 diverse eating options, the facility was just recently renovated in 2019 and is home to both international and American cuisines. Students can purchase Chipotleadjacent bowls at Tazón, pasta and breadsticks at Ciotola, and a classic cheesesteak at Pop’s along with numerous other options that are sure to please. Owens will also theme restaurants at different times throughout the year, so keep a keen eye on what’s new. Be sure to try around at Owens to find your desired order.
Turner Place at Lavery Hall
Located on the academic side of campus, Turner Place at Lavery Hall is incredibly useful for when you need to grab a bite before your afternoon classes. Housing eight restaurants including Qdoba and Jamba Juice, this modern facility is best accessed through student
Grubhub accounts. Turner is consistently one of the busiest dining halls during the business week, so make sure to preorder your food as you leave class.
West End at Cochrane Hall
Located in connection to Cochrane Hall, West End is the ideal spot for a more marketplace-style dining experience. Opening in 1992 and renovated for increased space in 2012, West End is home to pizza and pasta at Rosso, wraps at Seven70 Deli, burgers and fries at Fighting Gobbler, and various cuts of meat at JP’s Chophouse among other options. Each meal is made-to-order to ensure freshness and a high quality of food. Like Owens Food Court, some restaurants change themes depending on the calendar.
Squires Food Court at Squires Student Center
Virginia Tech recently bade farewell to their three Au Bon Pain locations in an initiative to elevate the student experience with three new restaurants. In ABP’s place in Squires comes Corner, a grab-and-go area that also offers made-to-order sandwiches, soups and a variety of coffee and tea-based drinks. Its adjacent restaurant Burger 37 will also be available when the semester begins. Students can use Grubhub or order in-person to create a burger to their liking with different toppings,meats and theoptionof a signature “Burger 37 Sauce.”
The other two new restaurants replacing ABP
will be in Goodwin Hall and the Graduate Life Center. VIVA Too, an extension of the VIVA Market at Johnston Student Center, will occupy Goodwin Hall. A boba shop called Ducky’s will occupy the Graduate Life Center.
VIVA Market at Johnston Student Center
VIVA Market is an additional installment in Tech’s fleet of grab-and-go options. Located in Johnston Student Center, the small yet resourceful area provides students with customizable salads, coffees and drinks along with its grab-and-go selections. Gluten-free choices can also be found here.
Perry Place at Hitt Hall
Perhaps the most exciting recent development in the Dining Services scene was the announcement of Perry Place, a brand-new, state-of-the-art dining hall that will open its doors to guests in Fall 2024. Eight of the nine dining locations in Perry Place are entirely new concepts, including an all-day breakfast section at Solarex Diner and Mediterranean cuisine at Fresh and Feta. The dining hall will seat over 600 students when it opens at the beginning of the semester.
There are so many great options to satisfy your hunger at Virginia Tech. Get out there and start trying!
BUILDING GOOD MONEY HABITS AS A FRESHMAN
Mollie Coogan | lifestyles staff writer
Learn how to budget for success all semester long.
Freshman year is a time for growth and self-discovery. For some, it’s also the first taste of financial freedom in their lives. With that new freedom comes a lot of responsibility. Budgeting is a way to manage expenses and help students have a great freshman year while reducing the stresses that a limited bank account can bring.
Use your dining plan wisely
There’s a common trend at the end of every semester: people who spend all their dining dollars on assorted treats like coffee and energy drinks must resort to spending their own money on food or asking family members for more money. It’s a stressful time, on top of
finals and the wrap-up of classes.
Budgeting is a simple and guilt-free solution to dining plan management. It builds awareness of spending so that people can make informed decisions. One simple method of budgeting is to divide the total number of dining dollars by the number of weeks in the semester and keep a record of it. Virginia Tech provides a paper form of this budget breakdown at all dining halls and on the Dining Services website. Students can determine what balance their dining plans should be at and can adjust as needed.
A Positive Financial Headspace
Financial mindfulness is one method of
decision making that could help students save money. It requires a clear understanding of how individual purchases can impact financial well-being and the development of money habits. Financial mindfulness can give students a better idea of how frequent ride shares and fast food will affect their savings or debt repayments. Armed with this information, students can make better financial decisions daily.
Financial Literacy on Campus Money can be a sensitive and isolating topic. Because of this, Hokie Wellness offers private financial coaching to students by appointment. Group workshops geared
toward financial wellness are also available each semester. Registration is accessible on the Hokie Wellness Gobbler Connect page and on the Financial Wellness home page. Their first session, centered around budgeting, will take place on Sept. 9 from 4–5p.m. in McComas 198. Register now to begin your budgeting journey!
For additional questions about financial literacy, email financialwellness@vt.edu.
CHRISTIAN DARRISAW’S RECORD-BREAKING CONTRACT SETS NEW STANDARD FOR VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETES
Thomas Bray | Sports editor
Former Virginia Tech offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw signed a $140
Christian Darrisaw, a standout offensive lineman from Virginia Tech, recently signed a monster contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, securing the largest deal in Hokies history. The deal is worth $140 million over five years, with $90 million guaranteed. This deal sets a new financial benchmark for Virginia Tech alumni in professional sports.
The Petersburg, Virginia, native was drafted 23rd overall by the Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft and quickly became one of the league’s premier offensive linemen. His ability to protect the quarterback made him a cornerstone of Minnesota’s offensive line and team. The contract, which runs
through 2029, is a testament to his value.
Darrisaw’s contract eclipses previous numbers held by other Blacksburg athletes, making him the highest-paid former Hokie in professional sports. Notable comparisons include Michael Vick.
Vick’s first extension with the Atlanta Falcons was a groundbreaking deal that altered the landscape of NFL player salaries. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft quickly established himself as one of the unique talents in the league, combining a strong arm with unprecedented speed and agility for a quarterback.
After three seasons in the NFL, Vick signed
a 10-year, $130 million contract extension with the Falcons, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at that time. The deal included $37 million in guaranteed money, a then-unprecedented figure that underscored Vick’s value to the franchise and the league.
Tyrod Taylor secured a five-year, $90 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2016 continuing his steady career as both a starting and backup quarterback. Taylor is currently behind Aaron Rodgers on the New York Jets’ depth chart.
Kam Chancellor, known for his presence in the Seattle Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom,” agreed to a four-year, $54 million extension in 2017, with
$25 million guaranteed.
Brandon Flowers signed a six-year, $50 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011, with $22 million guaranteed.
Darrisaw’s groundbreaking deal highlights the increasing financial rewards for Hokies excelling at the professional level. With Darrisaw setting a new precedent for guaranteed money, future Virginia Tech athletes have a towering figure to aspire to as they transition to the professional level.
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THE HOKIES GO TO PARIS: HOW VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETES FARED IN THE 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES
Dylan Tefft | sports editor
10 Hokies represented their countries and universities in Paris
The 10 Virginia Tech athletes that competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics represented seven different countries, but only one university.
None of the current and former Hokies that competed in Paris landed the third-ever Olympic medal win by a member of the university, but each one gave Tech fans tuning in a valiant performance to root for — especially in the pool.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a name that any Hokie basketball fanatic will remember. The six-foot-one Ontario-born guard led Virginia Tech to a Sweet 16 appearance in the men’s 2018-19 season. He represented Canada on Paris’ courts with his cousin and Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Canada survived a gauntlet group stage with Australia, Spain and Greece but faced elimination in the quarterfinals by hosts France, 82–73. AlexanderWalker played behind Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray, failing to score in Canada’s four games.
Former Virginia Tech women’s basketball player and Toronto-based guard Sami Hill competed for Canada on the women’s stage. Canada failed to win a game during group play, falling out of the competition before the final tournament. Hill averaged five points in her home country’s three matches.
Hokie Track legend Neil Gourley competed in the men’s 1500-meter race event for Great Britain, qualifying for finals and finishing 10th with a time of 3:30.88. Gourley led the Hokies to an NCAA championship title in 2018 as a core contributor of the men’s distance medley relay team.
Blacksburg-born Ian Ho represented Hong Kong in the men’s 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle swimming events. In the 50-meter, Ho finished eighth out of as many swimmers in heat 10 with a time of 22.12. In the 100-meter’s fifth heat, Ho finished sixth of eight with a 51.26 time. Since only the winners of each heat advance, Ho swam just twice.
Luis Dominguez competed in the men’s 4x100 freestyle relay for Spain, posting a 48.27 split as Spain failed to qualify for the final. Dominguez still attends Virginia Tech as a junior and majors in nanomedicine. He currently swims for the Hokies, having earned All-American honors in the 2020 season in the 200-meter free relay and 400-meter medley relay.
Carmen Sastre, a fellow VT junior and Spanish competitor, swam in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke, making the semifinals for each at just 19 years old. She placed seventh and fifth, respectively. Sastre achieved an ACC-wide fourth place in the 800 free relay as a freshman for
the Hokies.
Mario Molla Yanes was active in Paris, representing Spain in three different men’s swimming events. His 52.27 time earned him third in the 100-meter butterfly and his relay team placed sixth out of eight teams in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay. His relay team was disqualified from heat two of the 4x100meter medley relay.
Spanish Hokie Carles Coll Marti was a member of Molla’s disqualified 4x100-meter relay squad. Marti is a senior at Virginia Tech who holds the seventh-best NCAA marks in the 400-meter medley relay and 200-meter breaststroke among active swimmers.
Virginia Tech Freshman Emily Santos qualified for her first Olympics in Paris, representing Panama. The 18-year-old breaststroke specialist placed sixth in her heat of eight with a 1:09.94 time. Santos looks to be an incredible grab for both Panama and Hokie swimming.
Maxine Egner of Botswana qualified for the Paris Olympics in early July. The incoming Tech freshman finished third in her 100-meter freestyle heat with a time of 58.98. Her mark was more than respectable for a 19-year-old, but Egner’s sights lay much higher.
“You learn from different races,” Egner said following the event. “I hope to work hard in the next four years and qualify for the Los
Angeles 2028 Olympics. Hopefully, that is when I will qualify for the semi-finals. I will be moving to America for training at Virginia Tech and that will make me improve and qualify for the next Olympics.”
