When Alix Klineman switched from indoor to beach volleyball in 2017, April Ross had already won two Olympic medals on the sand. In 2018, the two players teamed up, and they've been on a success streak ever since.
The big picture: Their partnership is one driven by past failures and bound by future aspirations. After being left off Olympic rosters for indoor volleyball year after year, Klineman's tenacity matched with her partner's prowess ultimately led to the realization of her Olympic dreams.
- Now Ross, who has a silver and bronze medal, hopes Klineman will help her realize her own Olympic dream of winning the gold. The pair is just one step away, gearing up for Thursday's final against Australia.
Results:
- Prelim - Pool B
- Klineman and Ross beat China, 2-0, in their first match.
- Klineman and Ross defeated Spain, 2-0, in their second matchup.
- Klineman and Ross won their match against the Netherlands, 2-1.
- Klineman and Ross beat Cuba, 2-0, in the Round of 16 match.
- Klineman and Ross beat Germany, 2-0, in the Quarterfinals
- Semifinals - Klineman and Ross beat Switzerland, 2-0, in the semifinals. They are now guaranteed at least a silver.
When to watch:
- Medal matches
- Gold - Aug. 5 at 10:30 p.m. ET
- Klineman and Ross will play Australia.
What they're saying:
- "I am just so thankful I chose [Klineman] as a partner when she was brand new," Ross told Fansided. "She was searching for a partner and now I feel like she's one of the best players in the world."
- "You know I love competing and I'm very determined and I feel like ultimately my will was stronger than anything else, so that's why I feel like I'm here," Klineman recently said, per E! News.
Olympic medals...
2012 London Games
- 🥈- Ross took home silver with Jennifer Kessy
2016 Rio Games
- 🥉- Ross won bronze with Kerri Walsh Jennings
