Not making the Olympic team is a heartbreak we don’t want our favorite player to experience.
After not making the Final 12, libero Dustin Watten and Paul Lotman post emotional yet very positive messages on Instagram.
From Dustin Watten:
Thanks everyone for all the messages!
I didn’t expect to be back in Cali so early but the decision was the correct one and I believe it’s the best to only keep the 12 slated for Rio traveling for World League.
My goal for the beginning of the quad in 2012 was to work with purpose and passion to find a better self each and everyday and to help push the team whatever way I could so that USA would be on top of the podium in 2016 whether I was with them or not!
I’m so thankful of the opportunity for this amazing journey and I know the 12 selected will give us the best chance to take gold in Rio.
Again, I appreciate all the messages but if you are considering writing me, I urge you rather to congratulate one of the 12 guys for their commitment, sacrifice and the work they have put it throughout the last 4 years.
The next month and a half will be extremely challenging for them and I hope we can give them the love, energy and support to help them achieve their goal as Olympic champions.
If you know me, this is just the beginning, I’m just getting started.
From Paul Lotman:
The 12 man roster for Rio has been announced and it’s been an exciting day for all friends and families supporting the men who were chosen. Although I wasn’t selected I am extremely proud to be part of this team and our journey toward an Olympic gold medal. It’s been an amazing 4 years filled with intense trainings, grueling weightlifting sessions, heartbreaking losses, and incredible victories. I walk away with wonderful memories and no regrets. #GOUSA
From Russell Holmes:
The official 12 man roster has been named for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and I just wanted to take the time to congratulate my friends and teammates who were selected. I am genuinely happy and excited for all those who have made the final 12 as I know how hard each of them have worked, how much they have sacrificed, and how dedicated they are to this squad.
What an honor and privilege it has been to work and compete along side each and everyone of them over these last 4 years. Despite not being selected to the final 12 I am still filled with so much gratitude and have truly found so much joy through this journey. I have found tremendous value in every lesson learned along the way through all the hard work, sacrifices, countless hours in the gym, victories, and defeats.
I also need to thank family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fans for all the love and support not only shown to me over the last 4 years but also in the recent days past. I’m thankful once again to have been apart of this incredible group of guys and will continue to do all I can in aiding them to be prepared to win GOLD in Rio.
Good luck boys!