U.S. beach volleyball duo, coach split mid-Olympics

Field Level Media|published: Sat 3rd August, 11:07 2024

Aug 2, 2024; Paris, France; Kelly Cheng (USA) serves against Svenja Mueller and Cinja Tillmann (GER) in a women's preliminary phase match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Eiffel Tower Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In the midst of the Paris Olympics, U.S. beach volleyball teammates Andy Benesh and Miles Partain elected to part ways with their coach, Mike Placek.

The split occurred at some point between the pair's 2-0 defeat of Morocco in preliminary Pool D play on Tuesday and Thursday's 2-1 win over Brazil. The pair accomplished the 21-17, 14-21, 15-8 defeat of George Wanderley and Andre Loyola without Placek.

"We are very grateful for Mike Placek's generosity, dedication, and tireless efforts leading up to the Olympics. His commitment and contributions have been unwavering. After careful consideration, we have decided it is best for us to part ways and explore different strategic paths," Benesh and Partain said in a joint statement released Saturday.

"We remain deeply appreciative of what Mike has done for us and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors. We prefer to keep this decision private. We are releasing this official statement to clarify and address some misleading rumors regarding the situation. We have a great support staff and appreciate their effort and commitment during this transition."

Benesh and Partain have yet to confirm whether assistant coach Paul Lotman would take Placek's place.

Benesh and Partain have already qualified for the Round of 16 but their next match won't be scheduled until qualification play ends. The teams will then play in a single-elimination format until medal matches start next Friday and Saturday.

--Field Level Media

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