Volleyball in Brazil is electric!
It's a funny story, really. I had a slickly written recap of game day vs China. It was complete with stats and insights. I was ready to send it and noticed I had placed the same picture in it twice. I attempted to delete one of them, and deleted the entire thing... I am certain the original was worthy of a "Golden Quill" or whatever bloggers get for outstanding work. So you'll have to trust me. It was flat out brilliant. I could have replicated it, but instead I went to bed.
By now, if you are a blog following volleyball fan, you know that the Americans lost the first set, then roared back behind the steady play of Jordan Larson (18pts), the leadership of Christa Deitzen, the athleticism of Foluke Akinradwo (15 pts), and contributions by both Kelly Murphy and Kelsey Robinson (13 pts each).
I'll also add Alisha Glass in the mix for distributing the ball well and being her usual deceptive self. The win clinched first in pool A. The Americans' first opponent in the knock out round is Japan, who finished fourth in pool B. That was yesterday's report in a nutshell. Sorry it's late. I was sleepy. This is Rio...
Today was an off day, which means mostly sightseeing and shopping, but the highlight was getting a pass into the P&G House. Most of you might not know that Procter and Gamble provides a place where the families of American athletes can go to get most anything they need, including food and drink, laundry services, spa treatments, haircuts and pedicures, and a really comfortable place to just crash and meet other athletes and their families. Today I watched the beach match between Dahlhauser/Lucerne and the Brazilian duo with many of our indoor men's team members and their families. What an electric atmosphere!
Earlier in the day we checked out NBC's Today Show set and the Copacabana Stadium built to house the beach volleyball matches. All of the venues are in range of some of the most stunning vistas and beautiful beaches. With everything that has been written negative about the Rio Games, I am here to tell you, I just haven't seen it. Yes there have been a few high profile incidents, but many of them could and would have happened in any major American city just as easily. Fact is, again, this is Rio, and it is beautiful!
Tomorrow I start the day off early at 9:30with Equestrian Jumping, on to Maracanazhino for the USA vs Japan match at 2, and then to the Diving Center for the gold medal round in diving. Busy day with a lot to see. I'll try not to delete the first draft this time.
The PG House is a time honored Olympic tradition. I comfortable place for athletes and families to spend time, thanks to Procter and Gamble.
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