Thompson And USA Win Olympic Bronze
August 20, 2016 | Volleyball
RIO DE JANEIRO - Husky legend Courtney Thompson will have to make a little more room on her mantle now as her second Olympic Games experience produced a second medal today. Thompson and Team USA finished their run in Rio with a victory in the bronze medal match today in Maracanazinho arena, defeating the Netherlands in four sets. Thompson, who has previously said this Olympic run would be her last, adds the bronze medal to the silver she earned in London in 2012.
The U.S. was heartbroken to suffer its one and only loss of the tournament in the semifinal round on Thursday against Serbia, but regrouped to come away with the second bronze medal in women's national team history. Thompson checked in as a substitute in today's match in sets three and four, both won by the Americans.
"Our team dealt with some real pain and heartache, heartbreak, a couple of days ago," U.S. Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. "I'm incredibly proud of how within hours they were preparing, carrying that heartbreak, but preparing to be good and to finish strong. I also never had any understanding of how good a bronze medal could feel, and it feels incredible right now. We're so happy to finish this tournament on this note."
Thompson finished her UW career in 2006 as a Honda Award winner and the Pac-12 career assists leader. She became the first female student-athlete to have her jersey retired in Alaska Airlines Arena. The Kent, Wash. native led the Huskies to three straight Final Fours from 2004-06 and the 2005 NCAA title.
The U.S. was heartbroken to suffer its one and only loss of the tournament in the semifinal round on Thursday against Serbia, but regrouped to come away with the second bronze medal in women's national team history. Thompson checked in as a substitute in today's match in sets three and four, both won by the Americans.
"Our team dealt with some real pain and heartache, heartbreak, a couple of days ago," U.S. Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. "I'm incredibly proud of how within hours they were preparing, carrying that heartbreak, but preparing to be good and to finish strong. I also never had any understanding of how good a bronze medal could feel, and it feels incredible right now. We're so happy to finish this tournament on this note."
Thompson finished her UW career in 2006 as a Honda Award winner and the Pac-12 career assists leader. She became the first female student-athlete to have her jersey retired in Alaska Airlines Arena. The Kent, Wash. native led the Huskies to three straight Final Fours from 2004-06 and the 2005 NCAA title.
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