Rowdy as always, beach volleyball placed medals around the necks of its most skilled players Tuesday. And as usual, something delightfully unusual occurred.
The competitors hugged, all of them, and kept hugging, the gold, silver and bronze medalists and the countries they represent indistinguishable.
Two pairs of the U.S.’ best and one pair of Brazil’s best stood on that podium, but all that could be seen were respectful volleyball players sharing joy.
“I’m very proud of the three teams up there,” U.S. gold medalist Kerri Walsh said.
Beach volleyball always provides unexpected flair.
For 11 days, the focus was on the women, the Canary Islands dancers, the disc jockey and the clublike atmosphere.
During the women’s gold-medal match, it was about the volleyball. And when it ended, it was about athletes promoting a fun sport.
Misty May and Walsh won the gold medal with a 21-17, 21-11 victory over Brazil’s Shelda Bede and Adriana Behar. The U.S. duo of Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs won the bronze medal.
May and Walsh finished the most impressive gold-medal run since the sport became an Olympic event in 1996. May and Walsh won seven matches and needed only 14 games to do so.
They required only 43 minutes to get through the final. They are the first team to run through the Olympics so easily.
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Walsh ended the match with a spike just inside the line. She dropped to her knees, May tackled her, and they rolled around in the sand.
The best team in the world, which boasted a 90-match, 15-tournament winning streak until May was injured earlier this year, had accomplished its goal.
“They form the best team ever in beach volleyball,” Youngs said. “It’s no secret.”
May walked into the press conference room as McPeak and Youngs were concluding their remarks, and the bronze medalists clapped.
“Applause for Misty May,” Youngs said.
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to say or sing a song, but I’m very excited,” May said of winning a gold medal.
May has a seemingly perfect partnership with Walsh. Together they own this crazy sport, with its dancers and loud DJs and a crowd that won’t sit still or be quiet.
“I just think people understand that it’s OK to have fun here,” Walsh said.
“Go crazy. It’s so fun, and that’s what sports are all about.”