22/12/2018 10:00
Olympic champion Lloy Ball and his ‘snow’ comeback – How does that feel?
CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour 2019 - Moscow
Moscow, Russia, December 22, 2018. Lloy Ball, a true Volleyball superstar and 2008 Olympic champion with Team USA, came out of retirement to compete at the CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour 2019 stop in Moscow where he did quite well – narrowly missing out on a spot in the quarterfinals. Ball took some time on Friday to share impressions and feelings after his debut on snow and Snow Volleyball as a whole.
How do you find the CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour event in Moscow?
It is great here. Since there are many countries that have much snow to play Volleyball throughout the year, I think Snow Volleyball would be a great addition to the programme of the Winter Olympics.
How was your preparation for this event?
I am living in Indiana, and it is quite cold there. Therefore, we tried to feel the air (smiling). However, we did not play outdoors.
Lloy Ball warming up before his Snow Volleyball debut in Moscow.
Who are your partners here?
When I received this invitation from our federation’s President, I accepted it immediately. Just gathered some good boys who know to play Volleyball and here we are. It is a great experience for us, and I am happy to be back in Russia.
Will you be a team member or maybe coach at the Winter Olympics if Snow Volleyball makes it there one day?
I do not think so. I am just here as representative this time, to go back to USA Volleyball, tell them about the event, and maybe try to get events like this in America. I just want to be the first one to play, but I do not want to be the last one to play Snow Volleyball for USA.
Lloy Ball together with the other players representing USA in Moscow.
You are a great master of Volleyball! You are famous all over the world and surely in Russia too. You took part in four Olympics - that is an amazing thing and you played for many years for Zenit KAZAN. Was it great?
Wonderful! I played six years in Russia - five years in Kazan, one year in Ufa and I loved it. That was why I wanted to come back for this event. I have many good friends; I saw many already today, and will see some more. Therefore, I am having a good time here in Russia.
So, do your friends support you here?
Of course! Yes! I have received many good text messages.
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