When you tune into the Olympics, keep yours eyes out for the athletes with local ties.
| Photo by 6AM City
Light the torch and cue that iconic Olympics theme song — we’re ready for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics happening Friday, July 26-Sunday, Aug. 11.
At this summer’s Olympic Games, approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will compete across 32 sports — including some new ones. Since we’re all about keeping it local, we’ve rounded up 11 Paris 2024 Olympians with ties to Austin that you should keep your eye on. Let the Games begin.
Jordan White, Para Archery Hailing from Cedar Park, White is the youngest U.S. archer to qualify for the Paralympics at 15 years old.
Ryan Crouser, Track and Field At 6 ft and 7 inches tall, this runner already has two gold medals under his belt, but that’s not all he has in stride. The UT alum is a four-time NCAA shot put champion, nine-time NCAA All-American, and comes from a family of Olympians.
Tara Davis-Woodhall, Track and Field You might see this athlete arrive with a cowboy hat, which she tries to bring everywhere in honor of her alma mater (you guessed it), UT Austin. Davis-Woodhall is known for breaking the American junior record for the indoor long jump in 2017 (the same year she was named Ventura County Track and Field Athlete of the Year) and is married to Paralympian Hunter Woodhall.
Jeff Butler, Wheelchair Rugby This Paralympian was introduced to his sport after a traffic accident left him paralyzed at age 13, and now he holds two silver medals. Not only that, but the UT Austin alum has his own software company and a YouTube channel reviewing disability technology.
Know of an athlete with an Austin tie that isn’t on this list? Let us know.
Music Under the Star | Friday, July 19 | 6-9 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin | Free | Grab a chair and your loved ones for some tunes from Conjunto musicians Los Texmaniacs.
Glitter Witch | Friday, July 19 | 8:30 p.m. | Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave., Austin | $5-$8 | This “unhinged” improv show takes you through several overlapping stories.
Saturday, July 20
“Brokeback Mountain” | Saturday, July 20 | 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $12 | Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal star in this heart-wrenching tale of two cowboys who forge a lifelong connection.
Sir Woman | Saturday, July 20-Sunday, July 21 | Times vary | Parish, 501 Brushy St., Austin | $25-$40 | Spend an evening (or two) with Austin-based musician Sir Woman and sing along to her songs, new and old.
Superfonicos Record Release Party | Saturday, July 20 | 10:30 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave., Austin | $17-$20 | Ring in this local Colombian funk band’s new record release at this party.
Sunday, July 21
“The Sound of Music” | Sunday, July 21 | 2:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $12 | Experience the beloved musical in the historic Downtown theater at this daytime showing.
Infinity Song | Sunday, July 21 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $25 | The soft rock band from New York City consists of four siblings who specialize in vocal harmonies and lyricism.
Plan Ahead
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical | Wednesday, July 31-Sunday, Sept. 8 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Topfer at ZACH, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $25-$86 | From writing pop classics for renowned artists to her chart-topping success with the album “Tapestry,” relive Carole King’s incredible journey during this performance.*
Chuy’s has been acquired by Darden Restaurants — the company behind Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse — for $605 million in an all-cash transaction. The deal is expected to close by November this year. (Austin American-Statesman)
Civic
Austin City Council is working on a climate bond infrastructure package that is set to reach voters in 2026. The package would include major capital improvement projects, land acquisitions, battery storage, flood mitigation, and more. (Austin American-Statesman)
Trending
Glen Powell is going back to school. The actor said he intends to re-enroll at UT Austin to finish his degree — he previously attended the university but dropped out before graduating. Don’t expect to see him on campus — most of his learning will be virtual. (KVUE)
Closed
Equipment at the Burnet Road and Guadalupe Street locations of Foxtrot are up for auction, signaling that those locations will not reopen. The auctions — selling blenders, shelves, menu boards, and more — are on Monday, July 22 and Thursday, July 25. (Eater Austin)
Outdoors
Low water levels and high heat have led to a decline in the population of Zebra mussels in Lake Travis. As an invasive species, the mussels are known to cause damage to local water infrastructure. (KVUE)
Event
Cirque du Soleil’s new country music show, “Songblazers,” is coming to the Bass Concert Hall this fall. The show will be in Austin Wednesday, Aug. 14-Sunday, Aug. 18.
Drink Up
Clink, clink — we’d like to make a toast. Drink Up Week is coming Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26. To celebrate Austin buzzy beverage culture, local businesses are offering fun drink deals throughout the week. Map your route and raise a glass.
Sports
Quinn Ewers is heading into his third year as quarterback for the Longhorns and he’s “exuding confidence.” Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
$2 custard will be available all day on Sunday, July 21 at Uncle Nicky’s. | Photo courtesy of Consumable Content
I scream, you scream, we all scream for National Ice Cream Day.
We want you to celebrate the right way — with a sweet treat — on Sundae, July 21.
Jo’s Coffee South Austin, 5532 Menchaca Rd. | Grab a $3 affogato or a $5 double shot affogato for a caffeinated treat.
Lick Honest Ice Creams, all locations | This artisanal ice cream shop (which doesn’t use high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors) will donate 10% of proceeds to local charities, like Austin’s own Urban Roots.
Museum of Ice Cream Pop-up at Music Lane, 1011 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. 1, Ste. #120 | On both Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, get a free scoop of Blue Bell vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Uncle Nicky’s, both locations | Get a $2 cup of custard — with your choice of flavors and toppings — at this local Italian favorite.
I grew up playing hockey, so I’m really more of a Winter Olympics watcher, but my favorite sports to watch during the Summer Olympics are tennis and fencing.
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