Beach volleyball legend Kerri Walsh Jennings reflects on the pride and responsibility of competing for her country at the Olympic Games. She emphasizes the importance of national pride and the collective spirit that unites Americans during these events.
Kerri Walsh Jennings, the most decorated beach volleyball Olympian in history, has always been driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. However, like many Olympians before her, she quickly realized that competing for her country transcend personal ambitions.
At her Olympic debut in Athens 2004, Walsh Jennings experienced firsthand the profound sense of representing more than herself. Though not competing in Paris this year, she witnessed the unwavering patriotism among American athletes.
Kerri Walsh Jennings: Representing USA at the Olympics Is a "Shining Light
"It's just something special," Walsh Jennings told Fox News Digital. "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."
Even Serbia's Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, displayed overwhelming emotions after winning gold. For Walsh Jennings, these moments highlight the deep meaning athletes attach to bringing home medals for their country.
Kerri Walsh Jennings: Representing USA at the Olympics Is a "Shining Light
"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," she said. "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."
Walsh Jennings' three-peat in beach volleyball alongside Misty May-Treanor solidified her status as an Olympic icon. She embraced the responsibility and media attention that came with her success, understanding the significance of representing her country.
Kerri Walsh Jennings: Representing USA at the Olympics Is a "Shining Light
"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," she explained. "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."
Walsh Jennings believes the Olympics serve as a reminder of American pride.
Kerri Walsh Jennings: Representing USA at the Olympics Is a "Shining Light
"It’s OK to be proud of where you’re from," she said. "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."
The 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles will be particularly special for Walsh Jennings, as she anticipates the same pride and excellence from American athletes.
"Santa Monica was it," said Walsh Jennings, who partnered with Santa Monica Travel & Tourism ahead of the men's and women's beach finals in Paris. "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 journey for becoming excellent. Looking ahead to 2028, I know we’re going to have four amazing teams representing our country."
Walsh Jennings may not be competing anymore, but her love for her country and the Olympic spirit burns brightly.
"The Olympic spirit, to me, is what I’m made of. And the American spirit," she concluded.
