LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (AP) — When the Tokyo Olympics was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. women’s water polo star Kiley Neushul decided to retire from the national team. The decision created a giant hole in the lineup for a powerhouse U.S. team going for a third consecutive gold medal this summer. Neushul had been a key performer for the U.S. on each side of the pool. Coach Adam Krikorian says replacing her is “impossible.” In her first interview since her decision, Neushel tells The Associated Press she wouldn’t “have been in the right headspace to continue on.” She says she’s excited about pursuing other interests.
