Beach volleyball: Binstock and Schachter are headed to Rio
It’s mission accomplished for Josh Binstock and Sam Schachter who punched their tickets to Rio at Volleyball Canada‘s Olympic Trials on Saturday.
The pair won the competition in North Bay 2-1 (20-22, 21-17, 15-12) against Grant O’Gorman and Sam Pedlow. The match-up came after Canada earned a second Olympic berth at the FIVB World Continental Cup Tournament earlier this month.
“I can’t ever describe it, it’s a dream some true.” said Schachter during an on-court interview following the game. “I’m so proud of how Josh played today, with such grit. At first I wasn’t playing like myself and he motivated me and kept me staying positive and aggressive.”
Related: Canada earns another beach volleyball Olympic berth
The pair lost a close opening set where no more than three points separated the teams. However, in the end it was O’Gorman and Pedlow who won 22-20. The second set started our similar to the first, before Binstock and Schachter, picked up momentum at the halfway mark which helped them to a 21-17 victory. In the final, a hit by Binstock secured a 15-11 victory for himself and Schachter.
While Schachter will be making his Olympic debut in Rio, this will be Binstock’s second appearance. The London 2012 Olympian made his first team with parter Martin Reader, before teaming up with Schachter in 2013.
“It was amazing to have that experience the first time and now I get to go back with this guy [Sam] by my side, he’s one of the best players in the world.” shared the London 2012 Olympian.
Related: Three beach volleyball teams earn Olympic berths
Rio 2016 will mark the first time Team Canada has achieved the maximum number of quota spots, with four beach teams competing in Rio. Binstock and Schachter will join Chaim Schalk and Ben Saxton in the men’s competition this summer. While Heather Bansley and Sarah Pavan, as well as Jamie Broder and Kristina Valjas will compete in the women’s tournament.
