Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon “Tats” Suzara sat as the game jury president in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games women’s volleyball final last August 8 when the United States won its first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Ariake Arena.
The Americans, with Jordan Larson and Andrea Drews leading the charge, swept Brazil, 25-21, 25-20, 25-14, avenging their 2012 and 2008 Olympic losses.
Larson was named the Most Valuable Player to go with 1st Best Outside Hitter award, while her teammates Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (2nd Best Outside Hitter), Haleigh Washington (1st Best Middle Blocker), Jordyn Poulter (Best Setter) and Justine Wong-Orantes (Best Libero) also earned the Dream Team honors.
“Congratulations to USA Volleyball for making history,” said Suzara, who was able to meet FIVB President Dr. Ary Graca and 1st Executive Vice President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz during the awards ceremony.
Caroline De Oliveira Saad Gattaz of Brazil, a one-time Manila visitor, won the 2nd Middle Blocker award.
Bannered by tournament topscorer and Best Opposite Hitter Tijana Boskovic, Serbia claimed the bronze after beating South Korea, 25-18, 25-15, 25-15.
Although it missed the podium, the Kim Yeon Koung-led South Korea became the best-placed Asian country at No. 4.
Turkey placed fifth, followed by Italy (6th), Russian Olympic Committee (7th), Dominican Republic (8th), China (9th), Japan (10th), Argentina (11th) and Kenya (12th).
In men’s volleyball on August 7, France beat the Russians, 25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12, to win the gold, with Earvin Ngapeth capturing the MVP and 1st Best Outside Hitter awards.
Argentina took the bronze after a marathon 25-23, 20-25, 20-25, 25-17, 15-13 victory over Brazil.
Other Dream Team members were ROC’s Egor Kliuka (2nd Best Outside Hitter), ROC’s Ivan Iakolev (1st Best Middle Blocker), France’s Barthalemy Chineyenze (2nd Best Middle Blocker), ROC’s Maxim Mikhaylov (Best Opposite Hitter), Argentina’s Luciano de Cecco (Best Setter) and France’s Jenia Grenebennikov (Best Libero).
Rounding out the finishers were Poland (5th), Italy (6th), Japan (7th), Canada (8th), Iran (9th), United States (10th), Tunisia (11th) and Venezuela (12th).
