Monday, 15 Jul 2024

Jake Gibb Finishes 2018 with Honors

Three-time beach volleyball Olympian, Jake Gibb, has overcome numerous challenges throughout his career. In 2018, Gibb faced yet another obstacle when he and his partner, Taylor Crabb, learned the night before the FIVB World Tour event in Gstaad, Switzerland that they would have to compete in the qualifier for the next event in Vienna. Despite this setback, Gibb and Crabb responded admirably.

Following their drop in rankings, the duo, seeded 21st in Gstaad, surprised everyone by defeating Italy’s 12th-seeded Daniele Lupo and Paolo Nicolai in the main draw. They continued their impressive run by defeating their fellow American teammates, Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena, who were seeded fifth.

Gibb’s success and determination have earned him the title of USAV Male Beach Player of the Year. This accolade adds to his previous titles of USAV Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, Gibb and Crabb secured fourth place in Gstaad and fifth place in Vienna, positioning themselves as the top-ranked U.S. men’s team on the tour and 11th overall.

On the domestic front, Gibb and Crabb claimed victory in AVP Tour events held in Seattle and Chicago. Although they narrowly lost to Dalhausser and Lucena in the finals of the Manhattan Beach and New York tournaments, they emerged triumphant in the King of the Court events in Waikiki and Huntington Beach.

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While Gstaad proved to be a highlight of Gibb’s season, it also brought heartbreak. In the semifinals, Gibb and Crabb endured a grueling battle against Norway’s Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, ultimately losing by a score of 17-21, 23-21, 16-14. At that time, Mol and Sorum were ranked 15th, but they went on to claim the number one spot in the world. Gibb described the match as “crazy,” citing an incredible shot by Taylor and an impressive play by Christian.

Reflecting on 2018, Gibb acknowledges that there is room for improvement, particularly in serving. However, it was also a successful year for him off the court, as he completed his master’s degree in the science of education from the Keller Graduate School.

Looking ahead to 2019, Gibb and Crabb have an eventful schedule both domestically and internationally. Their focus is currently on the FIVB World Championships in Hamburg, with qualifications for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in the back of their minds. Gibb expresses his excitement for the journey ahead with Taylor as they continue to strive for success.


FAQs

  1. What challenges did Jake Gibb face in 2018?
    Jake Gibb and his partner, Taylor Crabb, were unexpectedly placed in the qualifier for the FIVB World Tour event in Vienna after competing in Gstaad.

  2. What achievements has Jake Gibb earned in his career?
    Jake Gibb has been named the USAV Male Beach Player of the Year and was previously awarded the title of USAV Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013.

  3. How did Jake Gibb and Taylor Crabb perform in the 2018 season?
    Jake Gibb and Taylor Crabb finished fourth in Gstaad and fifth in Vienna, establishing themselves as the top-ranked U.S. men’s team on the tour and 11th overall.

  4. What notable victories did Jake Gibb and Taylor Crabb achieve domestically?
    Jake Gibb and Taylor Crabb secured wins in AVP Tour events held in Seattle and Chicago, and they also emerged as champions in the King of the Court events in Waikiki and Huntington Beach.

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Summary

Jake Gibb, a three-time beach volleyball Olympian, ended 2018 on a high note despite facing challenges along the way. He and his partner, Taylor Crabb, responded impressively when they had to compete in the qualifier for the FIVB World Tour event in Vienna after Gstaad. Their performances resulted in Gibb being named the USAV Male Beach Player of the Year. Internationally, they achieved fourth place in Gstaad and fifth place in Vienna, solidifying their position as the top-ranked U.S. men’s team. Domestically, they triumphed in AVP Tour events and the King of the Court events. Gibb looks forward to the upcoming FIVB World Championships and the journey towards qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.