Walsh Hits New Heights as “FIVB Hero”

Becky Murdy
Assistant, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: becky.murdy@usav.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 16, 2011) – U.S. women’s beach volleyball player and two-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh was larger than life Thursday as the FIVB revealed two giant statues of Walsh and Brazilian Emanuel Rego as part of the “FIVB Heroes” campaign launch.

“We couldn’t wish for two better ambassadors for the sport,” FIVB Executive Vice President Dr. Ary Graca said. “Both embody the ease with which (world-class) athletes play their game while keeping their feet firmly on the ground.”

Walsh (San Jose, Calif.) and Rego stood in front of their received statues, each over 13-feet in height, as they were recognized as two of the most successful players in beach volleyball. In addition to her two Olympic gold medals, Walsh is also a three-time FIVB World Champion, currently on route for a possible fourth. Rego also has captured an Olympic gold medal and two world championship titles.

“I am happy to be part of the campaign,” Walsh said in an FIVB release. “It will help to create more role models for future generations of players and a platforl for stars.

The “FIVB Heroes” campaign is part of a re-branding effort to promote volleyball as an international, highly athletic and professional sport.  The project aims to highlight elite volleyball athletes in both indoor and beach. The presentation and official launch took place Thursday in Rome before the fourth day of the 2011 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.

Photo: Courtesy of FIVB Kerri Walsh and Emanuel Rego pass a volleyball on their statues in front of fans, Thursday.  Thirteen men and 16 women were selected as “FIVB Beach Volleyball Heroes,” including six U.S. team members: Walsh, Misty May-Treanor (Santa Monica, Calif.), April Ross (Costa Mesa, Calif.), Jen Kessy (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), Todd Rogers (Santa Barbara, Calif.)  and Phil Dalhausser (Ormond Beach, Fla.).

“Our mission is to make volleyball a brand even better known and even stronger,” FIVB President Jizhond Wei said in an FIVB release.

According to the FIVB, 13 women and 15 men from the indoor discipline of volleyball will be announced to the public as part of the influential group. The introduction of these athletes will be held at the FIVB World League finals in July in Poland as well as at the FIVB World Grand Prix Final in August in China.

Watch here, for an interview with Kerri Walsh and her thoughts about being an “FIVB Hero.”

For more information about the campaign, visit the official site of the “FIVB Heroes” by clicking here.

Tags: April Ross, FIVB, FIVB beach, FIVB World Championship, Jennifer Kessy, Kerri Walsh, Misty May-Treanor, Philip Dalhausser, Todd Rogers