Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

Tokyo Olympics: A Countdown to an Exciting Summer Spectacle

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games are just around the corner, with only 100 days left until the highly anticipated event kicks off on July 23rd. Following a one-year delay due to the global pandemic, athletes from around the world are gearing up to compete in this prestigious international sporting event. In this article, we will take a closer look at the preparations and expectations for the USA Volleyball’s national teams as they strive for excellence in Tokyo.

Women’s National Team: A Force to be Reckoned With

The U.S. Women’s National Team is entering the 2021 season ranked second in the world, just behind China and ahead of Brazil. Their impressive performance in the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL), where they secured gold, and their silver medal at the World Cup, demonstrate their strength and determination. With less than 100 points separating the top three teams, including Italy in fourth place, the competition promises to be intense.

The team comprises a mix of seasoned players and promising young talents. Six members from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games bronze-winning team, including Kim Hill, Jordan Larson, and Kelsey Robinson, bring invaluable experience to the squad. Head Coach Karch Kiraly is expected to reveal his Olympic roster during or shortly after the 2021 Volleyball Nations League, which will be held from May 25th to June 25th in Italy.

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Men’s National Team: Building on Past Success

The U.S. Men’s National Team, ranked third worldwide, is eager to leave its mark on the Tokyo Olympics. In 2016, this young team overcame a challenging start in pool play to capture the bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro. They left with a desire for more and a determination to fulfill their potential.

With the possibility of having up to nine Olympic veterans on the roster, including two-time Games participants Matt Anderson and David Smith, the team has a well-rounded mix of experience. Head Coach John Speraw, who guided the team to a bronze medal at the FIVB World Cup in 2019, aims to announce his Olympic roster during the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, scheduled from May 28th to June 23rd in Italy.

Beach National Team: Sailing Toward Olympic Glory

The U.S. Beach National Team has its sights set on Tokyo, with four teams vying for a spot in the Olympics. One team has already secured a nomination – April Ross and Alix Klineman. With an impressive 9,080 provisional Olympic ranking points, they cannot be overtaken by another duo from the USAV.

April Ross, a two-time Olympic medalist, will be seeking to add to her collection of silver and bronze. Alix Klineman, who transitioned from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball in 2017, is looking forward to her first Olympics. Three other women’s teams, including Kerri Walsh Jennings and Brooke Sweat, are competing for the second U.S. berth, which adds an extra layer of excitement.

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On the men’s side, Jake Gibb and Taylor Crabb currently lead the provisional Olympic rankings among USAV teams. However, the competition remains fierce, with Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena, as well as Tri Bourne and Trevor Crabb, hot on their heels. The final spots for the men’s team will be determined after the remaining tournaments on the FIVB World Tour, including events in Cancun, Mexico, Sochi, Russia, and Ostrava, Czech Republic.

FAQs

Q: When will the beach volleyball tournament take place during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?
A: The beach volleyball tournament will run from Saturday, July 24th to Saturday, August 7th, 2021, along the captivating shores of Tokyo Bay at Shiokaze Park.

Q: How many players will be on the Olympic roster for each team?
A: The final roster for the Olympic Games will be determined by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The exact number of players selected for each team will be announced by the respective head coaches.

Q: What are the chances of the U.S. teams winning medals in Tokyo?
A: Both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams have a strong track record and are ranked among the top teams in the world. With their combination of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, they have a great chance of reaching the podium at the Tokyo Olympics.

Conclusion

As the Tokyo Olympics draw closer, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. The USA Volleyball’s national teams are preparing to showcase their skills, determination, and teamwork on the international stage. Whether it’s the women’s team aiming to maintain their high ranking, the men’s team seeking to build on their previous success, or the beach teams vying for an Olympic medal, the spirit of competition and camaraderie will be on full display in Tokyo. Stay tuned for a summer spectacle that promises to captivate sports enthusiasts worldwide.

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To learn more about USA Volleyball and their journey to the Tokyo Olympics, visit Alpinetgheep.