|
Post by klazk on Jul 8, 2015 20:55:07 GMT -5
Probably not. On the men's side, between Phil/Rosie, Jake/Casey, Tri/John, and Nick/Theo there are very likely two teams qualifying via FIVB points. I'm a bit less confident about the women's side. April/Kerri, of course (as long as Kerri's shoulder doesn't fall off). But I can see it being a struggle for a second team - neither Fendrick/Sweat or Day/Kessy are locks to earn a second spot. They aren't locks, but Brazil winning WC and being the host country actually helps us out in this respect because their quota places are taken outside the top 15 finish qualification. Given that there will likely be 4 Brazilian teams in the top 15 and probably 3 German teams - maybe even 4 - (of which only 2 can qualify) and instead of having to finish top 15, it becomes more like top 20-21. Right now, even without Walsh/Ross, after eliminating Brazilian teams and the other federations that have more than 2, Fendrick/Sweat are #10 and Kessy/Day are #18. Walsh/Ross with only 3 events are #22 (#21 if you eliminate the extra US team). Long way to go, but I would think that one of Fendrick/Sweat or Kessy/Day is going to be able to string together enough solid finishes to finish top 20 through the qualifying period (barring injury).
|
|
|
Post by geddyleeridesagain on Jul 8, 2015 22:46:24 GMT -5
All true. But I still have reservations. The tour gets tougher every year, and - frankly - Fendrick/Sweat and Day/Kessy aren't going to get any better. But you're probably right that the odds favor two USA women's teams qualifying via World Tour points. I would like to see USAV take Continental qualifying a little more seriously this time around, though.
|
|
|
Post by graham on Jul 8, 2015 22:49:07 GMT -5
I think the "Host Country Berth" is in addition to any spots earned on the World Tour or Continental Cups. So, the host country can actually have 3 teams in each gender. This hasn't happened since the US hosted the 1996 Olympics though.
|
|
|
Post by geddyleeridesagain on Jul 8, 2015 22:53:47 GMT -5
I think the "Host Country Berth" is in addition to any spots earned on the World Tour or Continental Cups. So, the host country can actually have 3 teams in each gender. This hasn't happened since the US hosted the 1996 Olympics though. The host country always gets one automatic entry, but is only allowed one other via winning the WC, World Tour points, or Continental Qualifying. I'd have to double check, but I believe that is still the case for Rio.
|
|
|
Post by spikeandserve on Jul 9, 2015 2:03:27 GMT -5
Interestingly enough, the Brazilian federation is conducting their own format on how their 4 teams will earn olympic berths and the world championships has no weight at all. They highlighted 10 events before the season,the grand slams and a mix of others and the teams with the highest ranking points from these events will find their way to Rio. Additionally, if the second team on the men's or women's sides is not that far ahead of a trailing team, there is a chance a committee could name the #3 as the olympic team instead. All qualification for brazil will be finished by the end of 2015, and I believe the last event will be a brazil only event made specifically for this format. This was shared with us by Brazilian legend Franco, who is now the Brazilian national team coordinator.
|
|
|
Post by klazk on Jul 9, 2015 10:12:15 GMT -5
I would like to see USAV take Continental qualifying a little more seriously this time around, though. I 100% agree on this point - although I'm not sure it is 100% on USAV. The players have to want to go, too, right?
|
|
|
Post by klazk on Jul 9, 2015 10:17:02 GMT -5
I think the "Host Country Berth" is in addition to any spots earned on the World Tour or Continental Cups. So, the host country can actually have 3 teams in each gender. This hasn't happened since the US hosted the 1996 Olympics though. That is what I thought as well, but when I went back and read the published information (Regulations on FIVB site), it reads to me as if there is a 2 country max for all federations, including the host nation. From section 2.4 Olympic Qualification Maximum Number per NOC: Quota per NOC Men 4 (2 teams) Women 4 (2 teams) Total 8 (4 teams) Also specifically on host country: Host Country Places The Host Country is guaranteed: - One (1) quota place per gender; - The right to participate in all qualification events to earn a second quota place. The Host NOC/NF has to confirm the use of the allocated quota places (in compliance with eligibility requirements) to FIVB by 12 June 2016.
|
|
|
Post by graham on Jul 9, 2015 10:28:23 GMT -5
Well, I guess I should know better than to assume the Olympic qualification process was similar to past years!
|
|
|
Post by guest2 on Jul 9, 2015 13:11:14 GMT -5
Brackets are out. Not exactly a walk for Walross, but a pretty good draw nevertheless.
|
|
|
Post by guest2 on Jul 9, 2015 13:11:53 GMT -5
Oops read that wrong
|
|
|
Post by johnbar on Jul 9, 2015 14:36:29 GMT -5
In 1996 and 2000 the host country was allowed to have three teams per gender. I believe the rule was changed to a max of two for Athens (didn't matter, I think Greece only had one teams per gender qualify). Certainly since 2008 (Beijing) the limit has been two, even for the host country.
|
|
|
Post by geddyleeridesagain on Jul 9, 2015 16:38:33 GMT -5
I would like to see USAV take Continental qualifying a little more seriously this time around, though. I 100% agree on this point - although I'm not sure it is 100% on USAV. The players have to want to go, too, right? Yes, they do. But there were more viable options at the time than Stevo Vanderwerp and a semi-retired Wachtfogel. But to your point, USAV might have to incentivize playing in the CQ. At the same time, I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill here - It's unlikely that, despite my reservations about the current women's teams, the USA will need that continental cup automatic berth. But it's always good to have a Plan B, just in case, and the continental cup offers a relatively easy path. Only Canada (who continue to get better, and will be a tough out) offers a serious challenge.
|
|