2016-10-03 13:10:00 CEST
The latest social stories in the off-season
Wedding bells were ringing for Kristina Valjas this weekend. Photocredit: Mihai Stetcu.
Just because the curtain has come down on the beach volleyball season following the Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals in Toronto doesn’t mean the stars of the sport are taking it easy...okay, well some of them are!
But some important business first. Josh Binstock’s retirement after the Swatch World Tour Finals meant his former partner Sam Schachter was on the look-out for a new teammate. The news was revealed on social media on Sunday. It’ll be two Sams on one side of the sand as Schachter pairs up with Sam Pedlow.
We had one heck of a ride! 5 years together, over 50 international tournaments and a life time of memories. I can't thank Grant enough for everything both on and off the court. A new Olympic cycle brings new opportunity. I am extremely excited to be pairing up with @samschachter for the 2017 season #itson #gotime #musclemlk #bolle #volleyballcanada #fivb #fivb2017 #beachvolleyball #beach #toronto #thesix #tokyo2020 #fitness #fitfam
See this Instagram photo by @pedlowsamuel * 668 likes
Pedlow had played 36 international tournaments with Grant O’Gorman – including a dramatic Olympic qualification play-off that saw them lose to Binstock/Schachter.
Keeping the Canadian theme going – yes, we’re still in the mood after Toronto – there were congratulations in order for Kristina Valjas who tied the knot at the weekend.
So what were you up to last night? Yeah, my night was pretty good... 💍👰🏼💕
See this Instagram photo by @kstinav * 256 likes
And naturally the big day was attended by some of the Canadian crew, including Heather Bansley and Jamie Broder.
She's MARRIED!! 👰🏼 💍 Congrats @kstinav! 🍾❣️ #surprisewedding
See this Instagram photo by @heatherbansley * 243 likes
Engagement + Surprise Wedding!!!!! Wow, these two lovebirds certainly pulled it off! Congrats to you both, love you guys 👰🏼💍🍾🎉💛
See this Instagram photo by @brodes6 * 177 likes
It seems it was certainly a weekend for celebrating! Swiss star Joana Heidrich turned 25 on Sunday. Happy birthday Jo!
Thanks to this two amazings girls#perfect day#birthday#happy girl#getting older🙄🙈#had a great night with all my friends#thanks for the last night ✌🏻️😘😘
See this Instagram photo by @heidrichjoana * 1,103 likes
Now, while members of Team USA were at the White House meeting the President – there did seem to be one noticeable absentee.
There was no sign of three-time Olympic champ Kerri Walsh Jennings…
And while it might be the off-season, like a true legend dedicated to her sport she has been busy working hard in preparation for next season. We love this commitment, Kerri!
I'm working on acting (being) as a "deliberate creator" in EVERY area of my life #bodymindspirit Thanks @e_weldon28 for bearing with my baby steps 😬😊🙌 & thanks for the 🎥
See this Instagram video by @kerrileewalsh * 7,245 likes
But she isn’t the only player making an early start on preparations for the 2017 campaign.
Here’s Englishman Jake Sheaf working on his serve…
Working on that net band ace. 2017 watch out!! #bringit #beachvolleyball #serve #jumpserve #volleyball
See this Instagram video by @jsbeachvolley * 66 likes
And who’s to say off-season training has to be all serious?
Australian Olympian Mariafe Artacho del Solar is all smiles as she poses for a picture in the gym!
It's that time again! So excited to be back into it! 💪🏾🏐🏋🏽♀️😅 #preseason #letsgetit #striveforgreatness #beachvolleyball #gym
See this Instagram photo by @mariafe_beach1 * 1,092 likes
But finally, we started with the Canadians and we’ll end with one too – and here’s a post that had us chuckling in the Swatch Major Series office.
Days after the season ended, Chaim Schalk visited his family and thought playing a back-garden game of baseball was a good idea…
Got owned tonight by my nephew Silas. @kyleschalk #owned #offseason #whip
See this Instagram video by @chaimer * 176 likes
It looks even more painful in slow motion!
Stick to beach volleyball, Chaim!