New men’s beach volleyball world champions Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner received a well-deserved heroes’ welcome as they returned home to Czechia from the Tlaxcala 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.
Over 300 fans gathered at the Arrivals Hall of the airport in Prague to greet not only the first-ever Czech world champions, but also the first-ever Czech medallists of the men’s Beach Volleyball World Championships. The only previous podium the country celebrated was Eva Celbova’s and Sona Novakova’s bronze at the women’s event back in 2001. Perusic’s and Schweiner’s world title came with an added bonus, a direct ticket to next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Many of Perusic and Schweiner’s clubmates from the Beachclub Praha Strahov (pictured in the main photo) proudly joined the crowd in welcoming the new national heroes. In a reference to the host country of the recently completed World Championships, a Mexican mariachi band was performing at the airport to welcome home the world champions as well.
“The first time we realised what we had achieved was just when we arrived at the airport. I didn't expect so many people to be there. I don't think anything could beat this,” an elated Ondrej Perusic said.
After the emotional arrival with the fans cheering and enjoying photo and autograph opportunities, the world champions gladly gave numerous interviews and attended press conferences, including a live one on Czech TV.
“At the previous World Championship, we did everything to win the pool, but then we were bad in the playoffs. This year we bet on economical tactics and it worked,” said David Schweiner.
Czech Volleyball Federation President Marek Pakosta, himself a former beach volleyball player, who represented Czechia at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996, told the media about his emotions during Perusic’s and Schweiner’s fairy tale unfolding in Mexico.
“I was glued to the screen,” he said. “The feelings after the last ball were unreal. I felt happy and fulfilled. The world champions’ title also means advancing to the Olympic tournament, which is not easy to fight for. This will help the boys in the long-term planning of their preparation.”
The pair’s busy programme for the coming days will also include meetings with the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and the country’s Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
Source : fivb.com
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