Aussie beach star Chris McHugh ends international career

One of Australia’s most successful male beach volleyball players in recent history announced his retirement from international competition. 35-year-old Tokyo 2020 Olympian Christopher McHugh is not sure what comes next for him, but he is looking forward to giving back to the sport and his family.

“All good things must come to an end and my time with the Volleyball Australia Beach Volleyroos has ended,” McHugh posted. “I have had the privilege of representing my country for the last 18 years and achieving lifelong dreams of Olympic, Commonwealth and World Championship representation as well as growing tremendously as a person and player. The journey has been much greater than the wins/losses, but the mates I have made along the way and the person I have become.”

McHugh started his world-level international journey at the 2006 FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championship. He has played over 600 international matches and competed at six FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. His career peaked when he and Damien Schumann became the first Australian men’s team to qualify for the Olympic Games since Beijing 2008 and competed at the Tokyo 2020 Games. During his career, McHugh picked up four medals on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, including two golds. He also collected two podiums on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour.

Chris McHugh left his mark in the history of the AVC Asian Championships, claiming the continental title as many as five times – in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2021, in addition to two silvers and a bronze. He is also a 10-time Asian Beach Volleyball Tour gold medallist and a seven-time Australian champion. He is also a reigning two-time back-to-back Commonwealth Games champion, celebrating on top of the podium with Schumann in 2018 and with his last international partner Paul Burnett in 2022. McHugh made his last appearance on the Beach Pro Tour with Burnett at the Vienna Elite16 in July.

“My playing partners have shared the blood, sweat and tears, as well as the highs and lows that is elite sport I am forever thankful for,” McHugh continued in his post. “Also, the coaches who have imparted their wisdom, challenged and pushed me to places I didn’t think possible together with the medical staff who got me back on the court after injuries too many times to count. They all believed in me at times when I didn’t believe in myself.

“I cannot express my gratitude for the love and support from my family over the years, particularly my wife who has been my bedrock of support throughout it all. Not many know the challenges we have faced together and the sacrifices made for the pursuit of a dream. I look forward to whatever comes next, but am also excited to see what heights the next generation of Australian men’s beach volleyball will reach,” concluded McHugh.

“Chris McHugh’s record places him in the top echelon of beach volleyballers Australia has ever produced,” Volleyball Australia President Craig Carracher said. “It takes passion, drive, endurance, talent and an incredible amount of hard work to stay at the top for as long as he has. Being an Olympian and becoming a back-to-back Commonwealth champion places you in a very special club in Australian sport and Chris should be incredibly proud of an outstanding career.

“On behalf of the entire volleyball community I thank Chris for all wonderful moments he has given us over the years, congratulate him on an incredible career, wish him and his young family all the best in the next chapter of life and hope to see him around the scene well into the future.”

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