This story is free to read.

Injured Kerri Walsh Jennings learning to hold back

FILE - In this Aug. 16, 2013, file photo, Kerri Walsh Jennings sets the ball during an AVP beach volleyball in Salt Lake City. With the Olympics a year away, the three-time beach volleyball gold medalist is recovering from a dislocated right shoulder that could get in the way of qualifying for the Rio Games. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, File) DESERET NEWS OUT; LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT FILE - In this Aug. 16, 2013, file photo, Kerri Walsh Jennings sets the ball during an AVP beach volleyball in Salt Lake City. With the Olympics a year away, the three-time beach volleyball gold medalist is recovering from a dislocated right shoulder that could get in the way of qualifying for the Rio Games. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, File) DESERET NEWS OUT; LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

By Associated Press August 4, 2015 1 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – Three-time beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings may serve underhand this month at the World Series of Beach Volleyball in Long Beach, California.

What’s important is that she’s competing there. Walsh Jennings dislocated her right shoulder for the second time last month, and she and partner April Ross need to enter enough events to qualify for next year’s Rio Olympics.

Known for her power, Walsh Jennings will need to rely on her defense and Ross’ skills in Long Beach on Aug. 21-23 and at events in Poland and Brazil they hope to compete at in subsequent weeks.

Walsh Jennings won three consecutive gold medals with Misty May-Treanor, who retired after the London Games. Walsh Jennings then teamed with Ross, who won silver in London with Jennifer Kessy.