After the successful campaign of Team USA in the Pan Am Games, the volleyball fans had high expectations. The FIVB World Championship 2023, which began on October 7, was the perfect opportunity for the team to build on that trust and deliver more reasons to celebrate. However, after yesterday’s performance, that will not be possible anymore.

In what can be best described as a surreal week, Team USA’s Trevor Crabb and Theodore Brunner faced a series of unexpected challenges that bested them throughout the championship. Following yesterday’s disastrous results, the team’s breakout star, Theodore Brunner, has earned an extremely painful title.

Volleyball legend ends in fourth place thrice

USAV Beach tried to keep the morale high with an X post that read, “We’re so proud of Trevor Crabb and Theo Brunner for finishing fourth at the Beach World Championship. Incredible tournament! Trevor and Theo dropped the bronze medal match to Poland’s Losiak/Bryl, 21-17, 21-18. We’re looking forward to more great moments!”. But the two athletes were completely dejected after losing third place to Poland.

While leaving the beach volleyball court, Brunner shook his head in disbelief and said, “Three fourths,…Has anyone ever done that?” Similarly, his partner let out a deep sigh and muttered an invective under his breath. The stinging pain of the defeat was somewhat soothed by considering the wild leap from the 37th position last week to the 4th position this week.

By a miraculous turn of events, they had escaped the sudden elimination round last week against Brazilian aces Andre and George. They have also earned 1,120 Olympic qualification points, which is at least 300 more than their previous best. Although the fourth-place finish hurt Crabb and Brunner, they have not lost their spirits. While their journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics is still uncertain, the women’s team has done the unthinkable.

Team USA Women’s volleyball team breaks 14-year drought

USA Women’s Beach Volleyball saw its last victory in 2009 at the SWATCH FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. Almost 14 years later, Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes won the gold in Mexico with a straight-sets win.

They faced off against the defending champions from Brazil and erected a fine challenge. Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa were bemused when the American duo began their attack.

Read More: USA Men’s Beach Volleyball Pairs Poised to Break 14-Year-Old Curse in 2023 World Championship

They captured the world title with a 21-16, 24-22 win over their rivals. They earned a share of the $1 million cash prize at the FIVB World Championship 2023. But even more rewarding for the two women was the qualifying score for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, they are ready to shine at the biggest stage in sports and bring home the gold for Team USA.

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