Set, Match, OLY at VolleyFest Australia

1 | 4 | 2019

Fifteen Olympians from China, USA, Australia, Chile, Italy and Austria have been honoured by their peers at VolleyFest 2019 in Sydney, Australia.

The Olympians were awarded OLY status at a special ceremony held during the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour event last month, each picking up a certificate and OLY pin in recognition of their achievements.

The presentation was a collaboration between the FIVB, Volleyball Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee. Certificates were awarded by dual Olympian and Gold medallist Daniel Kowalski on behalf of World Olympians Association. 

Among the Olympians to receive the OLY post-nominal title was legendary USA beach volleyballer Kerri Walsh Jennings, who has competed at five Olympic Games, so far winning three gold and one bronze Olympic medals across a glittering career.

“Being an Olympian is a very special thing and something I have cherished since my Olympic debut right here in Sydney at the 2000 Olympic Games. Being able to use OLY after my name is an absolute honour and I will wear it with pride as I compete to qualify for Tokyo 2020 next year, in what will be my 6th and final Olympic Games.”

World Olympians Association launched the OLY post-nominal letters initiative in November 2017. Since that time more than 10,000 Olympians worldwide have been granted the honour, which serves as a constant public reminder and recognition of an Olympian’s achievements in the field of sport, as well as a symbolic recognition of their status in society and their commitment to furthering the Olympic ideals.

The full list of Olympians to receive OLY at VolleyFest 2019 is:

  • Chen Xue OLY (CHN)
  • John Hyden OLY (USA)
  • Reid Priddy OLY (USA)
  • Kerri Walsh Jennings OLY (USA)
  • Marta Menegatti OLY (ITA)
  • Taliqua Clancy OLY (AUS)
  • Mariafe Artacho del Solar OLY (AUS)
  • Becchara Palmer OLY (AUS)
  • Anita Palm OLY (AUS)
  • Julien Prosser OLY (AUS)
  • Kerri Pottharst OLY (AUS)
  • Andrew Schacht OLY (AUS)
  • Liane Fenwick OLY (AUS)
  • Marco Grimalt OLY (CHI)
  • Esteban Grimalt OLY (CHI)
  • Nicole Laird OLY (AUS)
  • Alexander Huber OLY (AUT)
  • Martin Reader OLY (CAN)
  • John Hyden OLY (USA)