Paul Hohenauer and Martin Poinstingl won boys' beach volleyball gold for Austria at Dakar 2026. Volleyball World records a 2-1 final victory over Germany's Lasse Hüper and Filo Wüst, with scores of 22-20, 13-21 and 15-12.
Austria won all seven matches and dropped only two sets throughout the Youth Olympic tournament. The German pair had won July's U18 world title in The Hague.
Blocks help settle the final
Hohenauer produced three important blocking points in the deciding set. Austria had narrowly taken the opener before Germany levelled with a 21-13 second set.
Hohenauer said they studied German matches beforehand and expected a close contest. He emphasised staying calm during pressure moments.
Poinstingl said their second-set performance required a renewed focus in the third, particularly on side-outs. The 15-12 tie-break win completed their unbeaten run.
Australia add a third medal
Ryan Edgar and Thomas Turner defeated Brazil's Gabriel Campos and Bruno Fellipe Lobo Silva Souza 2-0 for bronze. Australia finished 6-1, with their sole loss coming against Austria in the semi-finals, 21-15, 21-16 from the winners' perspective.
The medal follows Asian U18 gold in May and world U18 silver in July. Edgar said video analysis of Brazil's aggressive attack and difficult jump serves helped them prepare a defensive plan.
Turner viewed podium finishes at three international events as evidence of their ability to compete with leading teams. Australia leave Dakar with bronze, while Austria finish their seven-match campaign as champions.