2011 WCBU recap: Team USA takes home 5 of 6 golds
Posted: September 6, 2011 04:17 PM
The 2011 WFDF World Championships of Beach Ultimate was an ‘Ultimate’ success for the United States, with the U.S. taking away five gold medals in the Open, Women's, Mixed, Masters, and Grand Masters divisions, and one silver medal in the Mixed Masters division.
Held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy the week of August 21st, 29 countries participated in the event co-hosted by the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) and Beach Ultimate Lovers Associations (BULA).
During the week long event, the U.S. Open team cruised through pool play until facing Italy, losing 12-10 in their only loss of the tournament. Despite the setback, the Open team used the loss against Italy as motivation and beat Switzerland in the semifinals, 10-12. The team then put together their strongest performance of the tournament with a final win against the Philippines, 13-9.
The Women’s team dominated pool play as well, winning 9 of 10 games, losing only to Great Britain, 9-8. The team beat Germany in the semifinals, 12-5 and went on to beat Canada in a close final, 10-9. Marie Madaras walked away from the event as the No. 2 scoreboard leader in the division, with 22 assists and 24 goals overall.
The U.S. Mixed team walked away from the tournament with zero losses, blowing out Portugal 13-2 in the semifinals. Down 2-6 at halftime against Germany in the finals, the team went on a six-point run that led to a lead advantage, and a final score by Sally Mimms secured their victory, 9-8.
The Masters team lost to Austria 9-10 earlier in the week, but rallied to beat Spain in the semifinals 13-6. Using their loss against Austria as an opportunity to reassess strategy, the team took revenge, winning 12-5.
The Grand Masters team faced a similar situation, losing against Austria 11-10 in pool play, and coming back to beat them in the final 13-7.
Despite beating Austria 12-6 in the semifinals, the Mixed Masters team took silver in their only loss of the tournament against Great Britain, 11-7. Jeremy Clark left the event as the No. 2 scoreboard leader in the division, with 15 assists and 24 goals overall.
The Spirit award winners were India (Open), France (Women's), Germany (Mixed), Spain (Masters), Great Britain (Mixed Masters), and Great Britain (Grand Masters).
Related links:
- WCBU Homepage
- WFDF recap of the event
- USA Ultimate international archives