COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 5, 2021) – The U.S. beach volleyball team of Phil Dalhausser/Nick Lucena has mathematically clinched a nomination to the Tokyo Olympic Games, held July 23-Aug. 8.
The pair sewed up their berth when Tri Bourne/Trevor Crabb exited the ongoing four-star tournament in Ostrava, Czech Republic, after the Round of 16. With 360 Olympic Ranking points separating the pairs, only a gold medal in this final qualifying tournament would have elevated Bourne/Tr. Crabb past Dalhausser/Lucena and into a qualifying position.
A strong start to 2021 propelled Dalhausser/Lucena into an Olympic berth. They passed Bourne/Tr. Crabb in the rankings after finishing fourth in Doha in March, and they extended their lead by reaching the quarterfinals of the next four tournaments, including claiming bronze in Cancun.
This will be the second consecutive Olympic Games for Dalhausser/Lucena as they competed in Rio 2016. They won their pool and tied for fifth.
Dalhausser also competed in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Partnering with Todd Rogers, Dalhausser won gold in Beijing and earned Most Outstanding Player designation.
Dalhausser/Lucena will be joined in Tokyo by Taylor Crabb/Jake Gibb, who clinched their berth Friday, and women’s pairs Alix Klineman/April Ross and Kelly Claes/Sarah Sponcil.
The J&T Banka Ostrava Beach Open will conclude Sunday, June 6.