Mar 28, 201203:47 PM

A local volleyball player digs into the South Bay’s beach scene.

From A to Z-urich

 

Attention all Southbay residents: if you see a 6'5'' Chinese woman, she is not here for the bacon & cheddar buttermilk bisquits at MB Post. She is, however, here for the weather and elite beach volleyball competition. Each passing day is one step closer to the London Olympic Games, and to prepare for competing on the largest stage that our sport can offer--as well as several FIVB events leading up the torch lighting ceremony--male and female teams from around the world are flocking to our beaches. 

Why, just yesterday I brushed shoulders with the Canadian and British national teams as I was finishing up a training session with Angie Akers & coach Scott Davenport. Beach volleyball training--or "adult summer camp" as I like to call it--has gone international. If you haven't had a chance already, take a walk along the Strand anytime betweeen 8 A.M. and about 3 P.M. (although mornings are best) and you'll see a cluster of new faces: Russians, Swedes, Kiwis, Germans...the list goes on. Our California sunshine and abundance of domestic talent has brought them from their corner of the world to prepare for the games. I suggest you switch up your morning routine and watch these phenominal world-class athletes compete in person before they are reduced to tiny figures on your screen come July. They're here for about two to six weeks depending on their schedules, so take advantage! Just look for the iconic blue and yellow FIVB balls and you'll know you're in the right place :)