2024 BEACH SPRINTS TRIALS
The 2024 Beach Sprints Trials, held in Sarasota, Florida, were a thrilling display of coastal rowing's unique challenges and excitement. This knockout–style event saw rowers competing head–to–head, with the winners advancing to the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa, Italy. Among the competitors, Stanford alumna Christine Cavallo '17 stood out, clinching victories in both the Women's Single and Mixed Doubles events.
Beach Sprints are distinct from traditional flat–water rowing as competitors start and end the race with a sprint on foot. Athletes sprint and jump into their boats, then navigate through a slalom course marked by three buoys, and race back to shore, all while contending with waves and currents. Coaches, unable to provide in–boat guidance, shout instructions and make directional arm motions from the shoreline, a sight that often puzzles onlookers.
The three–day event was not without its obstacles (literally). Florida's brutal summer heat and thunderstorms disrupted practice rounds and time trials on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, a manatee swam leisurely through the race course, causing a humorous delay and providing some light–hearted entertainment for the crowd.
Through it all, Christine Cavallo, a seasoned competitor in Beach Sprints since 2021, once again showcased her prowess with stellar performances in the time trials – which earned her byes straight to the semifinals in both events.
In the Women's Single event, Cavallo secured her spot in the final with a 20–second lead and a time of 2:46. She maintained her dominance in the final, finishing at 2:55. In the Mixed Doubles event, Cavallo and her partner, Kory Rogers, led the field with a 2:27 finish in the semifinals, a full 35 seconds ahead of the pack. They went on to clinch victory in the final with a 2:37 finish.
Christine Cavallo's victories secured her place at the Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa, Italy, this September. Her consistent success and dedication continue to elevate the profile of coastal rowing, which will officially be included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
