Scoring Goals chats with Adrian Weinberg (USA), who was named goalkeeper in the Media All Star Team at the Paris Olympics men’s water polo competition.
Adrian Weinberg was the driving force for United States of America men as they sought to find a spot on the medal podium for the first time since Beijing 2008.
He achieved that result by holding up the rear of the pool, repulsing wave after wave of foreign incursions, especially Hungary in the bronze-medal final at the La Defense Arena on August 11.
A goalkeeper par excellence, the youthful Weinberg (22) relished his first Olympic Games and made nearly 100 saves throughout the fortnight — nearly double his nearest opponent. His were match-winning saves and the 16 he made in the bronze-medal final were heroic.
Not only did he do damage to Hungary’s reputation during the match— which finished 8-8 — but he faced down three penalty attempts in the shootout, stopping two, as USA went 3-0 and won the encounter 11-8.
What is the feeling of being an Olympic bronze medallist?
“Winning an Olympic bronze medal is a mixture of pride, relief and a sense of accomplishment. You realise that all the hard work, sacrifices and challenges you've faced along the way have paid off. It's a moment to savour, not just for yourself, but for your team-mates, coaches, and everyone who supported you.”
What is the feeling among the team?
“The team feels a strong sense of unity and shared accomplishment. We've put in so much hard work to get here, and there’s a real bond among us from everything we’ve been through together. It’s a deep feeling of pride and camaraderie that comes from knowing we’ve achieved something significant as a group.”
To pull down 16 saves in the medal final, what was your motivation/feeling?
“My focus was entirely on the game, and when I'm in this zone, there aren’t many emotions involved. I was driven by the desire to perform my best for the team and felt grateful to be fully experiencing each moment as it unfolded.”
What about losing to Serbia in the semifinals?
“Yes, it was very disappointing to lose to Serbia. But I give a lot of credit to the team for being able to refocus quickly. We didn’t dwell on the loss and instead concentrated on what we needed to do next, which helped us come together even stronger for the bronze-medal match.”
Tell me about the shootout win over Australia in the quarterfinals:
“It was a great way to win, especially after receiving a brutality (violence foul) early in the game. Being down, coming back to tie, and eventually winning in a shootout showed the resilience and strength of our team. I’m very proud of how we stayed focused and strong throughout the entire game.”
What was the preparation for Paris like? Did it follow form?
“The preparation for Paris was intense and long, but it was great preparation for us. I have to give a lot of credit to the coaches for the schedule and the rigorous training they put us through. Personally, I felt good in the water throughout the tournament, which was a positive outcome of all the hard work we put in.”
You applied yourself remarkably and were named to the Media All-Star Team. Did you expect that?
“I have high expectations for myself, and my coaching staff shares that sentiment. Being named to the Media All-Star Team is an honour, but my focus was on playing my game to the best of my ability.”
“To have 95 saves all tournament, what did this say about you or your team?
“Accumulating 95 saves reflects not just individual effort, but also the team's defensive strength and collective support. It highlights the hard work we all put in and the strong cohesion we maintained throughout the tournament.”
What was the Paris experience like?
“Competing in Paris was an incredible experience. The energy and excitement of the city added a special dimension to the competition. While I didn’t have the chance to explore all of Paris or fully appreciate its beauty, the atmosphere and the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious event was unforgettable. I look forward to returning in the future to fully explore and enjoy what the city has to offer.”
What were the best parts of the tournament?
“The best parts of the tournament were those high-pressure, win-or-go-home situations — the shootouts and the medal matches. The intensity and excitement of these moments brought out the best in all of us and created a thrilling atmosphere. Being in the midst of such pivotal games, where every play mattered, was an experience I’m deeply grateful for. These are the moments that define the tournament and make all the hard work worth it.”
What was the best part about being in the Olympics?
“The best part about being in the Olympics was the sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves. The atmosphere, the global stage, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level made it a remarkable experience.”
Who did you meet of note in the Olympic Village?
“In the Olympic Village, I had the chance to meet notable athletes such as (tennis player) Carlos Alcaraz and (track star) Noah Lyles. It was inspiring to connect with such talented individuals from different sports and share the unique experience of the Olympics with them.”
What can you say about your team and the return to the dais after 16 years?
“Returning to the dais after 16 years is an extreme honour for the team and our country. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Being part of this achievement is incredibly rewarding and reflects the commitment of everyone involved. It highlights our progress and inspires us to continue striving for excellence and building on this success.
What do you think you can achieve as a team from here?
“From here, I believe we can continue to build on our success and strive for even greater achievements. The experience and camaraderie gained will be valuable as we look forward to future challenges and opportunities.”
On help you have received on the way:
“I would like to thank my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, at the end of the day, my relationship with Him is what is most important for me. I would like to thank Him for providing me with strength and confidence throughout these games. I also want to extend heartfelt thanks to my family, coaches, and friends. Their unwavering support and belief have been crucial in making this journey possible, not just for me, but for our entire team. Their encouragement has truly made a difference in our success.”