Associated Press
BEIJING ó The Chinese and the wretched Beijing weather were no match for Misty May-Treanor and iSix Feet of Sunshine.î
May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won their second consecutive gold medal in beach volleyball early Thursday, playing through a steady and sometimes driving rain to beat China in straight sets and extend their winning streak to 108 matches in a row.
The Americans defeated Wang Jie and Tian Jia 21-18, 21-18 to repeat their Athens victory. They did not lose a set in seven Olympic matches, playing through smog and swelter in a drenching gold medal game that soaked their skimpy uniforms.
iThe rain makes it better,î Walsh shouted afterward, unable to contain the California girl enthusiasm that earned her the nickname iSix Feet of Sunshine.î iWe felt like warriors out there. The pressure of playing China made it pretty intense.î
The Americans dropped to their knees on the wet sand, hugging each other before shaking hands with the officials and running to the stands to embrace their friends and families.
iEver since the ball dropped in Athens, weíve wanted to repeat as Olympic champions,î May-Treanor said.