U.S. Women Quotes from Olympic Games Gold-Medal Match

Bill Kauffman August 23, 2008

Photo: FIVB

Team USA waves to the crowd after receiving its silver medals at the Olympic Games

Lindsey Berg - Setter
“The gold-medal match is always bittersweet for the loser. We’ve got to look at it as, ‘We got here and won a silver medal.’ Nobody expected it. We knew deep down inside that we were that good. We came out here in this tournament and fought our hearts out.”

"We played the No. 1 team in the world and we fought. And we actually got a game off of them. We could have taken them to five."

"We’re just thrilled. It’s hard because we end with a loss. But we got a silver medal at the Olympic Games. Something that nobody on our team has ever gotten. It’s been a wonderful experience."

Kim Glass - Outside Hitter
“Getting to the gold-medal match is unreal so this is great for me. USA Volleyball is very close in family. We got so many emails from people all over the place. It’s deeper than the 12 girls that play on the court.”

Nicole Davis - Libero
“It’s been an incredible run. I’m just so proud of how well this team has done. It was a true team effort and that makes it more special.”

“We all know that Brazil is a great team…they don’t have many weaknesses. We knew we’d have to fight to win this one and they were just better.”

Stacy Sykora - Defensive Specialist
“I’ve played three Olympics, and we finally didn’t come up short. We would have loved the gold, but I’m the happiest person in the world right now.”

“Brazil played amazing. We fought hard, but we didn’t have enough. It was a dog fight, but they just came out on top.”

Lang Ping - Head Coach
“I’d like to congratulate my team, my assistants, my players. I think they had a very good tournament. I’d also like to congratulate China. They won a medal, too.”

“We knew the match was going to be very difficult. Brazil is definitely the best team in this tournament."

"I’d like to congratulate Brazil. It was a wonderful performance. They’ve been working so many years. Actually they had lots of chances, but this time they got it."

"In this tournament, six or eight teams are really close. If you are a player standing on the court trying to fight eery match, emotionally you have to do a lot."

"Tomorrow, I’m going to start my vacation. Thanks to my daughter for supporting me."

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On August 23, 2008 Jeison Neri wrote

That defeat to Brazil only proved what I had already expressed here on the site. The women's selection must be renewed 99%. Only Kim Glass should remain in the team. Without doubt it was the best in the game. The NCAA already revealed dozens of excellent players more convenient for selection. While there the fat Hather Bown and Lindsey Berg, and the slow Tayyiba Haneef and Danielle Scott Park Arruda, the selection will not seek any title.
On August 24, 2008 BJ Washington wrote

Congratulations for the Silver Medal in Beijing!! Wow! How long has it been since the women have won a medal in the Olympics?? A long time. I'm very proud. Jeison Neri - True, NCAA may have already revealed other excellent players but don't hate! How rude!!!!!!!!!
On August 24, 2008 denizen johhannas wrote

I think Lang Ping and USA volleyball did an excellent job selecting the players. This was one of the greastest teams ever and accomlished something truly remarkable. Jeison- You are right in that Brazil has slim/young/fast/atheltic players. True the USA players are old and slower but their experience and grit got them on the podium. I think by 2012 USA might have to consider a younger group. One that can train and stay with the team from 2009-2012.
On August 24, 2008 Jerome Bown wrote

Mr. Neri I just Googled you and as you already know I came up with absolutely nothing. When I ran the same Google search on the "fat" "slow" players you so skillfully identified low and behold I found that they have actually accomplished something. I think you might want to keep your worthless opinions to yourself until you actually accomplish something you to can be proud of. Just my .02
On August 25, 2008 W Allafa wrote

Mr. Neri, the comments you made about Heather Bown and Lindsey Berg as well as the others is totally not necessary. These women are great athletes and it takes years for them to get to this level of play. Yes, there are a lot of great talented players just out of college who deserve to be on this squad but the selection for this year's team deserved to be in Beijing and represent the U.S. Many have sacrificed so much for many years to get to the level of play. So, these women achieved something great. And even though they did not win against Brazil, they won the silver medal and played a great game- it just wasn't their night. You can keep your immature comments to yourself because this team, who were ranked 4th coming into these games, actually accomplished something great. Thanks to Jerome Bown who added his .02! I'm adding my .02 also! Congratulations to the Hawaii 5.0 connection (AhMow, Willoby, Bown, Tom & Berg) and the rest of the team.
On August 28, 2008 eriq santos wrote

Although these players are very good, im hoping to see Alix Klinemen, Cynthia Barboza and Foluke Akinradewo in the 2012 Olympics. Im actually starting to save my money to get there and watch!