May-Treanor and Walsh: "We're going to be better than before"
Recently reunited Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor have said they feel they are going to be even stronger than before when they return to the FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour for the first time since 2009 in Brasilia, Brazil from April 17-22.
The duo, who have 77 FIVB World Tour gold medals between them, spent the 2010 season apart, with Walsh taking a year out and May-Treanor partnering Nicole Branagh. However, they revealed that they would team up again in 2011 in March.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Walsh said: "We're going to be better, I'm sure of it. Without a doubt, we both are. Individually, for sure. And, collectively, I know we have so much more in us."
"We know what it takes to get there, but at the same time she's [Walsh] had two kids; I've had an injury,” May Treanor added. “It's like we're starting over, but instead of it being like 2001, we know what we need to do."
The tandem famously won Olympic gold at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games and already have their sights set on adding to that in London next year. But both are well aware of the challenge that faces them over the coming months.
"I'm just starting from Square 1,” Walsh explained. “My body's relearning, and as it's relearning I'm teaching it the proper technique. Everything changes and shifts (with the pregnancies). I've really been focusing on, when I do build my muscles, to do it properly. Hopefully that will make me symmetrical."
However, despite the hurdles that stand in their way, both are happy to return to the sand with each other.
"This is all I've ever known," May-Treanor said. "You never want to live with regret. I'm 33; I still feel that even with the injury I can play at a high level. I feel that I can do this, and that Kerri and I can do this. I didn't want to regret giving up a chance to do something extraordinary."
"I think taking a break reaffirms my love of the game, my love of the lifestyle, and how much I want to put into it," Walsh further explained. "I have this refreshed love. I have such new inspiration with my boys and my family. I want to do this as a mom, and I want to do this as a woman."
