Kerri Walsh Jennings is ready to avenge her Rio Olympics bronze medal

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings is using her bronze medal as motivation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Kerri Walsh Jennings is arguably the greatest beach volleyball player ever, and with three Olympic gold medals, the case against that statement is pretty difficult. However, when Walsh Jennings won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics, ending her streak of three-straight gold medals, it became a source of motivation for her.

“That bronze medal still pokes me and drives me, but I’m internally inspired to be the best I can be and I feel like I haven’t gotten there yet,” Walsh Jennings said. “I have two more years and this Olympic chase to figure that out, and I can’t wait to show the world and myself what the best looks like.”

Throughout her Rio run Walsh Jennings was battling injuries and had shoulder surgery the year before the Olympic Games, but the expectation was always gold for her. In her final run to capture gold, Walsh Jennings will be teaming up with a new partner again in three-time AVP Defensive Player of the Year and 2016 Olympian Brooke Sweat.

“She’s incredible, she’s little but mighty,” Walsh Jennings said. “She’s an amazing defender and amazing human being and I’m excited to go through all the trials in order to get to Tokyo in 2020 and to win a gold medal.”

When Walsh Jennings isn’t prepping for her chance at a fourth gold medal, she’s using her platform to ensure kids have access to sports. Through a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods and their Sports Matter program, Walsh Jennings is raising awareness for the rising issue of budget cuts of sports programs at schools across the country. By donating equipment, money and resources the Sports Matter program is giving kids everywhere the chance to play.

Although Walsh Jennings always had the support and opportunity to be involved in sports, she recognizes that isn’t the case for a lot of children, especially in underserved communities.

“When kids don’t have the chance to play they’re missing out on valuable experiences that will teach them lessons like discipline, accountability and teamwork,” Walsh Jennings said. “The lessons that you learn in sports are invaluable, and it extends far beyond the court and the field.”