American middle blocker Maxwell Holt has clinched his second Olympic bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. In a candid interview with Shen Xiang from CGTN Sports Scene, Holt opened up about his remarkable journey and the factors that drew him to continue his volleyball career in Asia.
After a hard-fought semifinal match where the USA narrowly lost to Poland 3-2, Holt and his team bounced back with determination, sweeping Italy 3-0 to secure the third-place finish. Reflecting on his three Olympic appearances, Holt expressed satisfaction with his achievements, highlighting the resilience and unity of his team.
Post-Olympics, Holt made the decision to join Shanghai Bright, a move inspired by his deep curiosity about Chinese culture. “I’ve always been fascinated by the uniqueness of China,” Holt shared. “Joining Shanghai Bright has been an incredible experience. The league here is competitive, and the facilities are top-notch.”
He praised the Chinese volleyball league, noting that the level of play and the dedication of its athletes have impressed him. “Sports have this amazing ability to bridge languages and borders,” Holt said. “Being here has not only allowed me to grow as a player but also to immerse myself in a culture that’s so rich and different from my own.”
Looking ahead, the 2028 Olympic Games are set to take place in Los Angeles. As Holt approaches his 41st birthday that year, he remains undecided about participating. “I’m not sure if I’ll play again,” he admitted, “but I want to leave the possibility open. Representing my country is always an honor, and who knows what the future holds.”
For now, Holt is focused on embracing his time in Shanghai and contributing to the growth of volleyball both in the USA and abroad. His journey exemplifies how sports can unite people across continents, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Reference(s):
2-time Olympic bronze medalist Holt reflects on journey at Paris 2024
cgtn.com
