Kate Douglass, a Virginia women’s swimming alumna, won gold in the 200 Breaststroke at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, breaking her own American record with a time of 2:19.24. This victory marks Douglass as the first Cavalier swimmer to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics. Additionally, fellow Virginia swimmer Paige Madden earned a silver medal as part of the U.S. team in the 4×200 Free Relay, contributing to Virginia's total of five medals at the Games. Douglass previously secured a silver in the 4×100 Free Relay and is considered a rising star in U.S. swimming, especially with longtime competitor Lilly King's departure from individual events. Douglass's performance exemplifies a changing of the guard in American swimming, as she leads the next generation of athletes. Overall, this medal adds to the U.S. swimming team's impressive tally of four golds at the Paris Games.