(28 July 1996; Day 9)
Karch KIRALY (USA), a two-time gold medalist in indoor volleyball, made Olympic history when he won beach volleyball's first gold medal, becoming the first player to ever win three gold medals in volleyball.
He and his partner Kent STEFFES beat Mike DODD and Mike WHITMARSH 2-0, winning the sets 12-5 and 12-8 in an all-American gold medal match.
STEFFES served notice early that he and his partner were not just out for another day at the beach when he rocketed his first serve for an ace. KIRALY and STEFFES then bolted out to a 6-0 lead.
"They started out on fire," said WHITMARSH.
WHITMARSH temporarily suspended that battle plan by throwing up an inpenetrable block and wresting serve back from KIRALY/STEFFES. The team known as "The Mikes" managed to score three straight points to pull to 6-3 before STEFFES outscored them 6-2 down the stretch. KIRALY's trademark digging ability combined with STEFFES' aggressive serving kept The Mikes back on their heels.
"I felt we were in trouble most of the day. We had chances for points but couldn't convert," said WHITMARSH.
STEFFES started the second set with an ace as well. However, this time DODD/WHITMARSH hung tight, even tying the score at five. But then KIRALY seemed to dig just about anything and everything in sight.
"That is Karch-and-Kent volleyball. We have gotten used to watching them play like that -- getting to every ball. It is just when they do that eight or nine times in a row that it gets frustrating," said WHITMARSH.
KIRALY/STEFFES slowly pulled away going up 11-8, and although it took them four match-point opportunities, they finally put themselves in the history book.
"It was sweet to win a medal in both forms of volleyball. I am proud to have won two in indoor and now beach," said KIRALY.
For DODD, the moment was just as sweet. The oldest player in the tournament at 39 years of age, and strictly a beach player, this will be his only Olympics Games.
"Losing to Karch KIRALY is nothing to go home ashamed about," said DODD. "This has been personally and athletically the best experience of my life."
WHITMARSH echoed those sentiments about losing to the man many call the best player in the world.
"I am happy for Karch and Kent. They have been the dominant team for a long time. If I have to lose, I want to lose to the best. No one has done more for the sport of volleyball than Karch. He has been a great ambassador for the sport," said WHITMARSH.
KIRALY, now the most decorated volleyball athlete ever will return almost immediately to his professional beach tour with some Olympic hardware.
"He already has two gold medals. Maybe he will let us borrow one," joked WHITMARSH.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Nancy Smith.
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| Closing Ceremony of the 1996 Games involved a crew of 2,100 who worked with more than 3,500 performers as well as thousands of athletes who celebrated on the field of Olympic Stadium. |