A BBC commentator was left amazed after an Italian volleyball player incredibly kept the ball alive against the USA by leaving the court.
Valentina Gottardi’s stunning acrobatics had the Paris crowd on their feet – including NFL icon Tom Brady.
Her sleek move came half-way through the final game of the Olympic match to change momentum in Italy’s favour.
As Sara Hughes slammed down a spike line hit, the ball almost bounced on the sand before Marta Menegatti kept it alive.
And just as the ball was travelling out of bounds, her team-mate Gottardi, 21, incredibly dived without any hesitation to save the point.
Italy even eventually went onto win the 20-shot rally.
The moment captivated both the commentators, crowd and viewers at home, as the duo hugged after winning the point.
But while they might have won the battle, they couldn’t quite win the war.
As Team USA – who won gold at Tokyo 2020 – emerged victorious from a tough match.
Yet those on social media were quick to hail the breathtaking skill after one British fan said: “That is some recovery.”
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One said: “Volleyball needs to be broadcast more often.”
A second wrote: “I never watch beach volleyball but Italy have me watching this match vs USA like is Game 7 of the World Series.”
While another clarified: “Gottardi does this all the time. She’s great.”
A fifth responded: “Why we love the Olympics!
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Team USA now face European champions Switzerland in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
