Beach volleyball, a sport known for its fast-paced action and incredible athleticism, has seen its fair share of talented athletes. Among them, the Austrian Strauss twins, Teresa and Nadine, affectionately known as “Tessa” and “Nadine,” have left an indelible mark in the world of beach volleyball. Born on November 18, 1995, in Mödling, Austria, these athletes have showcased dedication, skill, and an unwavering passion for the game. In this article, we’ll delve into their remarkable journey, notable achievements, and their ever-changing partnerships in the world of beach volleyball.
Teresa Strauss: A Beach Volleyball Powerhouse
Teresa Strauss, also known as Tessa, has made her presence felt in the world of beach volleyball. Standing tall at 1.80 meters, this Austrian athlete has been a prominent figure on the international beach volleyball circuit. Her partnership with her twin sister, Nadine Strauss, has been one of the most remarkable aspects of her career.
See also: Top 10 Sports That Girls Should Play
Early Successes
Teresa’s journey in beach volleyball began alongside her sister Nadine. In 2011, they demonstrated their talent by securing the Austrian U18 championship and finishing as runners-up in the U20 category.
The Strauss sisters’ dedication and teamwork paid off when they achieved a seventh-place finish at the 2012 U18 European Championships in Brno and followed it up with a fifth-place finish at the U19 World Championships in Larnaca just a week later.
See also: Top 10 Most Beautiful Sportswomen
Stepping onto the International Stage
The Strauss sisters made their international debut at the Grand Slam in Klagenfurt, marking their entry into the FIVB World Tour. Their journey continued with a fifth-place finish at the U20 European Championships in Hartberg. In 2013, they participated in various youth tournaments, notably securing a third-place finish at the U20 European Championships in Vilnius. Their impressive performance allowed them to make their mark at the U22 European Championships in Varna, where they finished ninth.
Throughout these early years, the Strauss sisters also dominated the national scene, becoming Austrian U20 champions in both 2012 and 2013. Their breakthrough came in 2014 when they reached the fifth position at the U21 World Cup in Larnaka. They continued to participate in the prestigious Klagenfurt Grand Slam and had a notable final appearance at the U20 European Championship in Cesenatico.
Temporary Break and Resurgence
In 2015, Teresa Strauss took a brief break from international competition to focus on her studies. However, the sisters returned to the sport in 2016, participating in various CEV satellite tournaments and achieving notable results in Baden, Timișoara, and Skopje. Unfortunately, in 2017, Nadine Strauss had to undergo shoulder surgery, leading Teresa to play alongside different partners, showcasing her versatility.
In 2019, Teresa and Nadine teamed up again, with their journey taking them to Visakhapatnam, where they secured a third-place finish in a one-star event. They continued to participate in several high-level tournaments on the World Tour, achieving respectable double-digit placements. Notably, they secured third place in Baden (one star) and ninth place in Edmonton (3 stars).
In 2020, the Strauss sisters reached the ninth position at the World Tour tournament in Baden and clinched the Austrian championship by triumphing over Radl/Dörfler. Their journey took them to the European Championships in Jūrmala, although they were eliminated in the preliminary round.
The beginning of 2021 witnessed their participation in the German Beach Trophy, where they emerged victorious in the playoff final in Düsseldorf against Aulenbrock/Ferger.
Partnerships in Beach Volleyball
Teresa Strauss has showcased her adaptability by partnering with various talented players throughout her career, including Lena Plesiutschnig, Stefanie Schwaiger, Katharina Holzer, Bianca Zass, and others. These partnerships have contributed to her growth and success in the world of beach volleyball. Here is a brief history of her partnerships:
- Nadine Strauss: 2019 – 2021
- Katharina Holzer: 2017 – 2017
- Bianca Zass: 2017 – 2017
- Stefanie Schwaiger: 2017 – 2017
- Lena Plesiutschnig: 2017 – 2017
- Eva Freiberger: 2016 – 2016
- Nadine Strauss: 2016 – 2017
- Julia Radl: 2015 – 2015
- Nadine Strauss: 2011 – 2014
Nadine Strauss: A Rising Star on the Sand
Nadine Strauss, the other half of the Strauss twin duo, has made a significant impact on the beach volleyball scene. Born on November 18, 1995, this 27-year-old athlete stands tall at 177cm and weighs 66kg. Hailing from Mödling, she currently resides in Vienna.
Nadine’s Career Highlights
Nadine Strauss, in partnership with her sister Teresa, started their beach volleyball journey with impressive successes at a young age. In 2011, they became Austrian U18 champions and finished as runners-up in the U20 category, setting the stage for their promising careers.
Their journey continued in 2012, with a seventh-place finish at the U18 European Championships in Brno and a fifth-place finish at the U19 World Championships in Larnaca. These early achievements demonstrated their potential and determination.
In 2013, the Strauss sisters secured a third-place finish at the U20 European Championships in Vilnius and participated in the U22 European Championships in Varna, achieving a ninth-place finish. These international performances marked the beginning of their medal collection.
In 2014, Nadine teamed up with Anja Dörfler for the U23 European Championships in Mysłowice, gaining valuable international experience. In the following years, she temporarily partnered with different players as her sister took a break to focus on her studies.
The year 2019 saw the Strauss sisters reuniting and reaching the season finale in Rome, indicating their growth as a team. In 2020, they clinched the Austrian championship in Baden after a thrilling final against Radl/Dörfler, marking a significant milestone in their partnership.
In 2021, the sisters continued their successful journey with a win in the German Beach Trophy’s playoff final in Düsseldorf, solidifying their reputation as a formidable duo.
Partners on the Sand for Nadine Strauss
Nadine Strauss has played alongside various partners, each contributing to her growth and success:
- Anja Dörfler: 2014
- Valerie Teufl: 2014
- Patricia Teufl: 2015
- Cornelia Rimser: 2015
- Teresa Strauss: 2011 – 2014, 2019 – 2021
- Franziska Friedl: 2018 – 2019
- Eva Freiberger: 2018
- Lena Plesiutschnig: 2018
- Katharina Holzer: 2021
- Anja Dörfler: 2021
The Austrian Strauss twins, Teresa and Nadine, have captivated beach volleyball fans with their incredible journey and remarkable achievements in the sport. As they continue to demonstrate their skill, dedication, and adaptability, they undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with on the international beach volleyball stage.
Their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of determination and partnership in sports.
Watch Photos of Nadine Strauss and Teresa Strauss
