(1 August 1996; Day 13)
It wasn't supposed to end this way for U.S. women's volleyball player Caren KEMNER. It was supposed to end on the medal stand soaking in the cheers of the partisan crowd. Instead, it ended Thursday afternoon in a match that decided the seventh and eighth place finishers.
KEMNER, the premiere player in the world during the late 1980s and early 1990s, announced her retirement following the United States' 3-0 victory over Germany. Despite the disappointment of the USA's performance during the Olympic Games, she still got her special moment. She and Elaina ODEN returned to the court following the conclusion of the match and threw their jerseys into the crowd.
"I just wanted to enjoy that moment of one last time hearing the crowd clap for me," said KEMNER. "That was a real nice feeling. This crowd has been real supportive of me throughout the tournament.
"I love Elaina and I think she is the best middle blocker in the world. We knew that we wanted to do something. When we won the gold medal we had it all figured out, but we didn't win it so we had to do something else. These people deserved something right there at that moment to say thanks."
If any thanks are to be handed out it, should be to KEMNER. She served as the key member of two U.S. teams that captured the silver medal in 1984 and the bronze medal in 1992. Although she has experienced great success throughout the world, she has ridden an emotional roller coaster during the Olympic Games.
"They've each been a little different," she said. "The first one was just so overwhelming, and we were 11 points away from making a miracle and that one didn't work. In 1992 we were four swings away from making a miracle and it didn't work, and this year we were about two days late from making a miracle.
"They've each meant something to me. I came into the program at 19 and I'm leaving at 31 and I've met some great people. This last Olympic Games has meant a lot to me because they are all great people."
She leaves a legacy with the U.S. women's volleyball program and her teammates and coach know of her contributions.
"Caren has been great," said U.S. head coach Terry LISKEVYCH. "She's been a real trooper to stay in the program as long as she has. She's been one of the great athletes, one of the greatest athletes I've ever coached."
"I love Caren," said Paula WEISHOFF, who played on three Olympic Games teams with KEMNER. "She fires everybody up and that's what I love about her. She's awesome."
KEMNER is unsure about her future plans, but hopes to coach and give back to the game she has played so well for so long.
"I honestly don't see myself playing much volleyball because I think my body is feeling it. I'd like to coach and be around kids because I do that real well."
Another thing that KEMNER has done real well is represent the United States during the course of the last 12 years. She will be missed.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Roger McAfee.
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| The volunteer staff of the 1996 Olympic Games totaled 50,152. They worked an estimated 850,000 shifts. |