Paris Olympics 2024: Australia’s beach volleyball pair Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar miss medal
The pain of having their gold-medal push in Paris fizzle out could drive Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar to extend their partnership out to a decade and fight again in Los Angeles.
Clancy said the pair’s beach volleyball defeat to Switzerland in their bronze-medal match on Saturday morning (AWST) made her want to “bawl my f...ing eyes out” but neither of the duo would rule out staying together for the next Olympics.
Australia briefly eyed off a gold medal when they became the first team all tournament to pinch a set of Brazil in their semifinal, but then lost four straight sets — the remaining two of that match, before being swept by Swiss pair Tanja Huerberli and Nina Brunner.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I’m sure this game will be haunting me but also the positive of that is that it will definitely keep the fire burning.
“I still love the sport and I still love these big moments. That’s the crazy part of what us athletes chase. As much as I hate this feeling and I want to bawl my f***ing eyes out, I know that it’s going to turn into a positive.’’
Clancy and Artacho del Solar could take just 15 points off the Swiss pair in the second set, despite one last final surge and one stolen match point.
Australia’s duo recaptured some of the form that carried them to the gold-medal match three years ago, but had battled with injury and a stunted preparation in the lead-up.
The 2021 silver medallists aren’t done yet though. Artacho del Solar hinted she could even push on as far as Brisbane.
“Never say never,’’ she said.
“I’ve always wanted to make it to five Olympics finishing at home in Brisbane so yeah, I’d love to come back for it. We’ll see what life has in store.’’
