Over the last 10 days, the five Olympic Continental Qualification tournaments were held across the world. On the men’s side, Chile (South America), France (Europe), Canada (North America), Australia (Asia), and Morocco (Africa) secured Olympic berths for their federations. On the women’s side, Paraguay, Czechia, Canada, Japan, and Egypt were the qualifying federations. Some of these Continental Cups qualify individual teams directly into the Olympics (North America, Africa). Others have yet to officially announce the teams that they will be sending to Paris, 33 days from now.
On the women’s side, the Netherlands won the Continental Qualification Tournament, however their teams did not meet their federation’s requirements to send a team, so the bid passed to the silver medalists, Czechia’s Barbara Hermannova and Marie Stochlova.
The biggest winner of the Continental Qualification was Canada, who secured bids for both genders, winning both gold medal matches against Mexico. Canada’s Heather Bansley will be returning for her 3rd straight Olympics, after taking a 5th in Rio with Sarah Pavan and a 5th in Tokyo with Brandie Wilkerson. Her partner for 2024 in Paris will be Sophie Bukovec.
The drawing of lots to determine the pools will held this coming Friday in Paris France, in the Olympic Beach Volleyball facility at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. It will be broadcast live on YouTube at 11AM ET, 9AM PT.
Pottstown Rumble
Congrats to Jaidyn Blanchfield & Bri Barker and Andrew Dentler & Caleb Kwekel for winning the Pro Division at this past weekend’s Pottstown Rumble, run by AVP Grass. Dentler and Kwekel won a hard fought battle against 2023 champions Jake Urrutia and Cody Caldwell.
This is a beach volleyball blog, not a grass volleyball blog, but I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed watching my guy Jake Urrutia in the men’s final live from Pottstown last night, as I sat on my couch after a long day at…
Wootown Volleyball – Charlton, MA
I got the invite to play RCO beach at Wootown Volleyball’s Sand Courts in Charlton, Massachusetts this past Sunday. It was my first time at the Beagle Club, and I have to say the facility and tournament were INCREDIBLE. Two courts under the lights, twelve other courts, deep, soft, awesome sand, great nets, dog friendly, cheap drinks, what more can a beach volleyballer ask for? We bowed out in the semis, 22-25, but the day was a blast regardless. Thanks to John Kubelis, Wootown Volleyball, and the Beagle Club for an amazing day.
Cue the Duck Boats
My Boston Celtics won the NBA finals this past Monday. On Friday, the city celebrated. I was lucky to join the “over a million” people who lined the streets of Boston and cheered for the NBA leading 18th championship banner. The passion, love, appreciation of a fanbase and city for its favorite sports team was overwhelming. That is what sports are all about, what this blog is all about.
Join us on Bet The Beach Live this Wednesday, 9p ET, 6p PT to see some more from an amazing day in Boston.
Chris DeTurk – June 25, 2024
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