US Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor Gold At Beach Volleyball

Women's beach volleyball duo Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor of United States retained their crown with victory over China's Tian Jia and Wang Jie in 2008 Beijing Olympics. May-Treanor and Walsh won 21-18 21-18 to maintain their record of not having lost a set in the tournament.

Walsh sealed the match with a smash to knock out the pre-event favourites in difficult rain-sodden conditions.

China's Xue Chen and Zhang Xi claimed bronze when they beat Brazil's Renata Ribeiro and Talita Rocha 21-19 21-17.

The Americans said afterwards that they used the weather conditions to their advantage.

"The rain makes it better," said Walsh. "We felt like warriors out there. The pressure of playing the hosts made it pretty intense."

"Ever since the ball dropped in Athens, we've wanted to repeat as Olympic champions," May-Treanor added.

"No one has ever done it before."

FYI - 2008 Beijing Olympic Sports