The long wait is over for the USA women’s national water polo team. They begin their attempt at a repeat gold medal in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday favored to do so by most observers. They will take on their European nemesis Spain in the first round. The two met in the finals of the London Olympics four years ago with the USA earning its first gold medal.
The Americans begin competition after days of turmoil. Head Coach Adam Krikorian returned to California after his brother Blake, a well known Silicon Valley figure, died last week. USA Water Polo announced that the coach would return to Brazil in time for the team’s first match.
The women will attempt to boost the morale of USA fans who have so far watched their male counterparts get off to a 0-2 start.
