Beach volleyball legend Kerri Walsh Jennings felt USA patriotism in Paris: 'Something special'

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For Kerri Walsh Jennings, the most decorated beach volleyball Olympian of all-time, there's no questioning the personal drive she's had throughout her illustrious career to come away with such accomplishments. 

But like many Olympians before her, and those competing at the 2024 Paris Games now, the realization that you're competing for something more than yourself was felt immediately for Walsh Jennings at her first Games in Athens in 2004. 

And though she wasn't competing in Paris this year, Walsh Jennings felt strong patriotism from those athletes she did encounter and watch during her time overseas. 

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Kerri Walsh Jennings attends the Parity Paris Show at Opera Garnier on July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images)

"I did. It’s just something special," Walsh Jennings told Fox News Digital when asked whether she felt the pride for the United States in Paris. "You see Scottie Scheffler when he won, and watching Team USA basketball, and they’re celebrities of the game. They’re so touched to be representing USA."

Walsh Jennings even noted that Serbia's Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam title winner in tennis, was overcome by emotions after winning the gold medal in men's singles.

It means so much for every athlete to bring home the precious medals for their country, but after securing three golds and a bronze for her career, Walsh Jennings believes it's that much different to represent the Stars and Stripes. 

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"I think in the Olympic movement, Team USA is a shining light,