The volleyball tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games attracted attention primarily due to the participation of libero Zhenya Grebennikov. The player with Russian roots showed himself brilliantly in Paris, doing everything to leave the best volleyball player in the world from Poland without a gold medal.

“We will do everything possible to defend the title”

Zhenya was born into the family of Soviet volleyball player and coach Boris Grebennikov, who, while still a player, moved to France, where the future libero was born. After finishing his career, Boris Vasilyevich did not return to his homeland, remaining to coach French teams.

Grebennikov Jr. chose to play for the “tricolors”, although he could easily break into the Russian team based on his skill level. Zhenya’s career has been simply brilliant. In 2021, he became the champion of the Tokyo Olympics together with the golden generation of the French. To this we can add the victory at the European Championship and the World League.

In Paris, most of the players of the legendary French team are well over 30. For many of the older volleyball players, this is their last Olympics.

The start of the tournament was good for the hosts. Two wins ensured the French advancement from the group. Then came a defeat in a meaningless match with Slovenia. The first serious problems arose in the quarterfinals, where they had to come back from 0-2 in sets in the game with Germany. But in the semifinals, the hosts were unstoppable and dealt with the Italians in three games.

“It’s incredible to reach the Olympic final. We will do everything possible to defend the title. But more on that later. Now we want to enjoy this incredible victory over Italy, one of the strongest teams in the world,” Grebennikov was quoted as saying by the French Volleyball Federation website.

Zhenya Grebennikov / Photo: © Sarah Stier / Staf / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

Domination in the final

In the final, France faced the Poles, who brought a strong team to the Olympics. Just look at Bartosz Kurek, who has countless awards! Wilfredo Leon stands out from the crowd, who is deservedly recognized by many experts as the best volleyball player in the world. It is rare for a tournament for the 31-year-old player to go without personal awards.

For the Poles, this match was of historical significance, because the “white-reds” had been without Olympic medals since 1976, when they became champions. But from the very first set, the French confirmed their status as favorites, winning in three sets – 25:19, 25:20, 25:23. Only in the third set did the Poles have a real chance to tip the scales in their favor, but the dedication of the French and the crazy support of the stands did not allow them to do so.

Grebennikov was also a notable player in this match. Zhenya actively cleaned up after his partners and confirmed his high status in reception. It was not for nothing that he finished the Games second in the list of the best defensive volleyball players of the tournament. But Wilfredo Leon had an extremely unsuccessful match. Only 11% of his attacks were effective. Zhenya deserves much credit for this.

Zhenya Grebennikov / Photo: © Catherine Steenkeste / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

Since 2021, Grebennikov has been playing for St. Petersburg’s Zenit. In April, he extended his contract with the Russian club until the end of the 2024/25 season, which means that the two-time Olympic champion will play in the Russian championship.