Dabbs claims gold at USATF Outdoor Championships

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Ethan Dabbs of the Virginia men’s track and field team won gold in the javelin at the USATF Outdoor Championships in dramatic fashion at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., on Sunday.

Dabbs’ initial mark of 72.99 meters (250’0”) after three throws was just enough to earn him the eighth and final place in the javelin finals. Sitting in fifth place after five attempts, it all came down to the Pennsylvania native’s sixth and final throw. Dabbs saved his best attempt for last as he unleashed a throw of 81.29 meters (266’8”) to claim the national title.

“It’s been a long year,” said Dabbs following his victory. “I got it done when it mattered and that’s what matters most…I had nothing to lose,” he added.

Dabbs wins his first national championship after an impressive comeback campaign for the senior who underwent surgery on his throwing arm in the summer of 2021. The javelin thrower claimed his third-consecutive ACC Championship and finished second at the NCAA Championships in his return to action this season while also setting ACC and ACC Championships records at 82.93 meters (272’0”). Dabbs was voted Virginia’s comeback player of the year by his peers in 2022.

Also at the USATF U20 Outdoor Championships, Virginia first-year Mia Barnett took second place in the 1500 meters with her time of 4:20.86 on Saturday.