American · Los Angeles, California · Born 30 July 1977American beach volleyball player who won three consecutive Olympic gold medals with Kerri Walsh Jennings in 2004, 2008, and 2012, finishing her career unbeaten in 112 consecutive matches at Olympic events.
Misty May-Treanor's father Butch was a national champion volleyball player. She grew up in an athletic household in Los Angeles, competed at Long Beach State University where the team won a national championship in 1998, then formed a partnership with Kerri Walsh Jennings in 2001 that produced three consecutive Olympic gold medals in beach volleyball — Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012. May-Treanor initially focused on indoor volleyball before transitioning to the beach game, where her exceptional defensive skills and court awareness complemented Walsh Jennings' powerful attacking ability. The partnership established itself as the dominant force in women's beach volleyball almost immediately, winning numerous AVP and FIVB titles alongside their Olympic run. Her career faced a significant challenge in 2008 when she suffered a torn Achilles tendon while competing on Dancing with the Stars — but she successfully rehabilitated the injury and came back to win the third gold in London four years later. The arc from injury to the third straight Olympic title has become one of the signature stories of her career. May-Treanor retired following the 2012 Olympics. Alongside Walsh Jennings, she transformed the sport's profile and inspired a generation of athletes. Her combination of technical excellence, competitive drive, and longevity at the highest level established the May-Treanor/Walsh Jennings partnership as the most successful in beach volleyball history. She has remained connected to volleyball through coaching and youth development since retiring.
Three consecutive Olympic gold medals in beach volleyball
How They Played
Exceptional defensive specialist known for her digging ability and court coverage
Lasting Impact
Considered the greatest beach volleyball player of all time alongside partner Kerri Walsh Jennings, revolutionizing the sport's popularity
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 3x (2004,2008,2012)
- World Champion 3x
- AVP Champion multiple
American Athletes