2016 Rio Olympics: Olympic volleyball stars almost miss Opening Ceremony due to flight
By Brad Weiss
U.S. Olympic volleyball players April Ross and Brooke Sweat almost couldn’t find a flight to Rio before the Olympics Opening Ceremony.
It is hard enough to qualify to play in the Summer Olympics, but for two members of the U.S. Olympic Volleyball team, it was the flight that gave them the most trouble. Luckily for April Ross and Brooke Sweat, they were able to find a new flight, avoiding the crisis of not being in Rio until after the Opening Ceremony.
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On Sunday, the two were flying to Miami for a flight to Rio for the Games, when their plans hit a snag. A delayed flight from Houston caused them to miss their connection to Miami, and their options for a new flight looked bleak.
https://twitter.com/AprilRossBeach/status/759885334045786113
The issue with August 6 is that it is not before August 5, which is the date of the Olympics Opening Ceremony.
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American Airlines tried to get them on an earlier flight, but had no availability until next week. USA Volleyball then took action, finding the two a flight on United Airlines, ensuring they would be there for the ceremonies.
https://twitter.com/AprilRossBeach/status/759894479323041792
The two will be able to continue their trip to Rio on Sunday, and will be able to make it on time to enjoy the Opening Ceremony with the rest of the U.S. Olympians.
According to the Westgate Las Vegas Sportsbook, the women’s volleyball team has 5-1 odds to win gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Without Ross and Sweat, those numbers would most certainly be higher.
For Ross and Sweat, they may not be as excited to be there once they arrive in Rio. Between the lack of security, the dirty water, and the uncompleted Olympic Village, it will certainly be an interesting time during the Summer Games.
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