It seems that German legend Laura Ludwig is almost done with her impressive professional beach volleyball career. A day after she and her current partner Louisa Lippmann were eliminated from the Olympic tournament at Paris 2024, the distinguished athlete posted an emotional message on Instagram, stating that her role in beach volleyball will change in the near future, but not before she ends this season with what she called “my little farewell tour.”

“The Olympic end is not the end yet,” the 38-year-old defender wrote. “I'm really looking forward to the European Championship in Holland, my home Elite16 event in my beloved Hamburg and, of course, the German Championship at German beach volleyball’s iconic venue in Timmendorfer Strand. I hope to meet lots of you on my small farewell tour.”

Laura Ludwig has already appeared at five editions of the Olympic Games, from Beijing 2008 to Paris 2024. She and Kira Walkenhorst triumphed as champions at Rio 2016 to earn Europe’s first Olympic medal of any colour in women’s beach volleyball. A year later, they backed that up with the 2017 world title in Vienna and are still the only European duo in history to have earned the FIVB World Championship crown. Ludwig’s impressive showcase also features an FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour season title, three World Tour Finals crowns, another seven gold medals from World Tour events, a U18 world title and as many as four CEV European Championship titles. At the previous Olympics in Tokyo, Ludwig was honoured as one of her country’s flag bearers in the opening ceremony.

“My passion for beach volleyball has always been the driving force of my career and I will continue to carry this passion in my heart. I don't know what role I will play with beach volleyball in the future yet, but one thing is certain: beach volleyball will remain an important part of my life,” Ludwig’s post continued.

“I wish both German teams the best of luck! The four of them are having such a great Olympic journey. I hope it continues for a long time. It was bitter when we said goodbye that we couldn't find our game and I couldn't perform at my best. We had better phases in the 18 months. Nevertheless, we achieved the goal, with which we started our journey together. Playing with Louisa at this stadium at the foot of the Eiffel Tower will hold a special place in my memories. Where, if not in this majestic place with lots of fans, friends and family, can you imagine a better end to an Olympic journey?

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey over the past few decades. There are so many people, so forgive me if I can't name them all individually. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Olympic Games Paris 2024 Beach Volleyball: schedule and results

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