Brothers Ben and Sam O’Dea broke new ground for New Zealand beach volleyball when they won the Commonwealth Games men’s bronze medal today.
It is probably the most significant achievement in New Zealand’s beach volleyball history.
The New Zealanders beat England’s Chris Gregory and Jake Sheaf 21-13, 21-15 in 40 minutes in the third place play-off.
The result was a lot more decisive than when the teams met in pool play and New
Zealand eked out a tight three-set victory.
Sam O’Dea, 27, said later they were pleased with their concentration. “We played strong in both sets, which is unlike us. We did a good job of steering the ship,” he said. “It’s definitely top of the list for us. We can’t wipe the smile off our faces.”
Ben, two years the younger of the pair, was asked about whether being brothers helped their partnership. “We are best mates, brothers and beach volleyball partners,” he said. “But one of the best decisions we’ve made was not to live with each other.”