The Oracles of Volleyball … a veritable who’s who of volleyball greats, including Misty May-Treanor, Lloy Ball, Holly McPeak, Nicole Davis, Kent Steffes, Kim Oden, Scott Fortune, Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Bob Ctvrtlik, Dain Blanton, Ryan Millar, Eric Fonoimoana, Gabe Gardner, Todd Rogers, and Danielle Scott-Arruda … commenting on the Rio Olympic Games with their legendary insight.
What are your thoughts on these final two bronze medal matches and the Games as a whole?
Scott Fortune
U.S. Olympian, indoor (1988, 1992, 1996)
Olympic gold medalist, indoor, 1988; Olympic bronze medalist, indoor 1992
The sport of volleyball truly shined in Rio, a country where the sport is huge. As expected going into the Games, parity was evident and the fans weren’t let down with great matches.
Very proud of both USA Indoor teams to find the resolve to win bronze medals and reach the podium. Both teams were only one play away from the gold medal match and left it all on the court.
The same can be said for the top beach teams and the will of Kerri and April to win the bronze. Phil and Nick‘s only lost came to the gold medalist in the quarterfinals, an unfortunate crossover.
USA Volleyball continues to shine as the top program in the world with three medals in the four disciplines. Great job by the players, the coaches, and all the support from everyone at USA Volleyball to provide excellence. Proud to be part of the movement to continue to grow the game and look forward to the next generation of USA Olympic volleyball athletes in the pipeline.
Holly McPeak
U.S. Olympian, beach (1996, 2000, 2004)
Olympic bronze medalist, 2004
Pretty fantastic performance by our USA men being down in the match, backs against the wall in third set and pulling off the victory! Sounds familiar…
USA men and women indoor teams both bounced back well from heartbreaking semi losses to finish on the medal stand and I am so proud of all of them for representing the USA so incredibly!
Ryan Millar
U.S. Olympian, indoor (2000, 2004, 2008)
Olympic gold medalist, 2008
Wonderful comeback from the Men’s Indoor Team to win the Bronze medal. I loved seeing Reid Priddy‘s veteran presence be felt, all the way to the last point where he made a fantastic cover of Matt Anderson‘s attack to save the point.
I think this team should look at Rio as a big step in preparation for Tokyo. I know it’s still four years away but the challenges that have presented themselves during these Olympic Games will help them during the coming quad. They have seen and experienced what it takes to win Olympic Gold. My money is on Team USA in 2020!!
Congrats to Karch, Jaime, and the Women’s Team as well. They showed their continued dominance and team focus. You really can feel how much that group enjoys playing together.
Bob Ctvrlik
U.S. Olympian, indoor, (1988, 1992, 1996)
Olympic gold medalist, 1988; Olympic bronze medalist, 1992
What a performance by the US Men for the bronze! This was the epitome of a TEAM win. Clutch, clutch, clutch!!! As I said a few posts back, there is a HUGE difference between the bronze and 4th. Well done men.
Danielle Scott-Arruda
U.S. Olympian, indoor, (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012)
Olympic silver medalist, 2008 & 2012
Rumble in Rio it was! I knew these Games would be amazing to watch and provoke lots of emotions. So proud of the all of USA Volleyball. Great display of character and heart to grind with determine to finish strong (Phil/Nick) and medal (both Indoor Teams and Kerri/April). Doesn’t matter the color, it is a part of history. Tokyo, look out. We’ve got a lot of talent and great team culture in the making.
From Opening Ceremony to Closing and all the amazing performances in between from all disciplines CONGRATULATIONS!