WEST SENECA, N.Y. — From Western New York to a two-time Olympic medalist.
West Seneca native Matt Anderson earned the second Olympic bronze medal of his career Friday, after Team USA men's volleyball defeated Italy in three sets in the bronze medal match.
Anderson and Team USA bounced back after a five set loss in the semifinals against Poland.
"It was obviously not the medal we wanted to play for, but it was an amazing win," Anderson said. "Very proud of the guys the way that we were able to take that heartbreaking loss. You know, it's almost in a way like a death because there was such a goal that we had that we've been working for and, and it was sadly taken away from us, so it required us to grieve and mourn a little bit and get past it and, and me, what I do is I, I dive back into the work."
Anderson added, "So yesterday I did my normal routine this morning, I did my normal routine and that way I don't have to even think about it and I was able to go out there and play and it was just a great, great match."
The U.S. opposite/outside hitter tallied eight points and six digs in helping lead the Americans back to the men's volleyball podium for the first time since Rio 2016, when Team USA also claimed the bronze medal.
"You know, my goal is not to make the Olympics anymore," Anderson said. "My goal is to win the Olympics and, and winning a bronze is something that we're going to be very proud of for many years to come. We still have some heartbreak, looking back and missing the chance to play for a goal with this exact team the way we are right now, but the future starts tomorrow and we'll see how it goes."
With watch parties back home in Western New York throughout the games, the 37-year old Anderson expressed gratitude for the support he received from the community.
"Just thank you. I mean, I love you all back home and friends, family, everyone. I really do appreciate all the messages, all the love and support over the years. It's been 16, 17 years now that I've been doing this, and I'm not stopping, but who knows if I'll ever be back here again?"
And as for what the post-medal celebration will look like?
"First, get the kids home back to sleep, and then maybe go out and have a couple of beers," he said.