American Pride Fuels Kerri Walsh Jennings' Olympic Journey

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings reflects on the unwavering patriotism and responsibility she felt representing the United States throughout her illustrious career.

In the glittering annals of beach volleyball, Kerri Walsh Jennings stands as the most decorated Olympian of all time. Her illustrious career has been marked by countless triumphs and an unwavering determination that propelled her to the pinnacle of her sport. Beyond the personal accolades, however, Walsh Jennings found a profound realization: the true essence of Olympic competition extended far beyond individual achievement.

At her first Games in Athens 2004, Walsh Jennings experienced an epiphany. She recognized that she was not merely competing for a medal or glory, but for something far greater—her country. This realization ignited a fierce patriotism within her, which continued to burn throughout her subsequent Olympic appearances.

American Pride Fuels Kerri Walsh Jennings' Olympic Journey

Even though Walsh Jennings did not compete at the recent Paris 2024 Games, she witnessed the same unwavering spirit in the athletes she encountered and observed. "I did. It's just something special," she exclaimed when asked about the palpable pride for the United States in Paris. "You see Scottie Scheffler when he won, and watching Team USA basketball, and they're celebrities of the game. They're so touched to be representing USA."

Walsh Jennings' observation extended beyond American athletes. She noted that even Serbia's tennis legend Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, was visibly overcome with emotion after winning the gold medal in men's singles. This shared sentiment of pride and responsibility resonated with Walsh Jennings, reinforcing her belief that the Olympics represented something more profound than medals or personal glory.

American Pride Fuels Kerri Walsh Jennings' Olympic Journey

"I think in the Olympic movement, Team USA is a shining light, and we are something to reach for, I think, in all the world," Walsh Jennings explained. "America is a shining light, and I think that's a responsibility that I don't take lightly, and I don't take for granted."

Throughout her three-peat in women's beach volleyball alongside her legendary partner, Misty May-Treanor, Walsh Jennings carried the weight of representing her country on her shoulders. She understood the increased media scrutiny and the immense expectations that came with being a star in the Olympic spotlight. However, her unwavering determination remained anchored in her desire to bring home the gold for the United States.

American Pride Fuels Kerri Walsh Jennings' Olympic Journey

While personal ambition undoubtedly played a role in Walsh Jennings' Olympic journey, she emphasized that it was never her sole motivation. Each time she donned the iconic "USA" across her suit, she carried with her a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility.

"For me, something that just reinforced my spirit and my resiliency was the fact that I was honored to have the chance to represent our country," Walsh Jennings said. "Every time I took the court in the Olympics, I would invite in my spirit and heart, my country to be with me. All the service members who represent us, my whole family, my ancestors. Everyone who just helped me get there, and I brought them with me in my heart, and that's a big deal.

American Pride Fuels Kerri Walsh Jennings' Olympic Journey

"To be able to represent my country and put my hand on my heart and hear our anthem three times with Misty, and be able to fight for bronze with April [Ross], that was amazing."

Walsh Jennings firmly believes that the Olympics serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit and unwavering pride that bind Americans together.

"It's OK to be proud of where you're from," she declared. "No country is perfect. Embrace the good, and when I look at that [American] flag, our country is not our politics – it's our people and our spirit. I think that's on display in the Olympics.

"Team USA always comes out with a lot of medals, and more than that, there's just so many displays of courage and resiliency and everything America is made up of. The players and the athletes seem to know that, and that makes me very proud."

As the Summer Games return to Los Angeles in 2028, Walsh Jennings anticipates a renewed surge of patriotic fervor. "Santa Monica was it," she stated enthusiastically. "The sand is deep, it's very clean, and it's just where you want to be, because all the great ones played there, trained there, and cut their teeth there. For me, as a young athlete coming up, Santa Monica was a big part of my journey for becoming excellent. Looking