GB Given Chance to Star on the Beach in 2012

The British Olympic Association (BOA) today announced that Great Britain will have the opportunity to utilise Host Nation Qualification Places to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games in both men’s and women’s beach volleyball.

The decision to permit the British Volleyball Federation, which is the National Governing Body for volleyball in Great Britain, to utilise the Host Nation Qualification Places was made by the Olympic Qualifying Standards Panel, which among others includes Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt; the Chair of the BOA Athletes Commission Sarah Winckless; and the BOA’s Director of Sport Sir Clive Woodward. 

The decision was made following a comprehensive consultation with the British Volleyball Federation. The utilisation of the Host Nation Places is subject to the GB players meeting the National Governing Body’s Olympic selection criteria, which will be agreed with the BOA Olympic Qualifying Standards Panel in the coming months.

BOA Chief Executive and Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: "It is encouraging that Britain’s beach volleyball players are within reach of having the opportunity to represent Team GB in the Olympic Games for the first time since it was introduced to the Olympic sport programme in Atlanta in 1996.

"The National Governing Body, British Volleyball, has made significant progress since its formation in 2006 and has nurtured a number of players to perform consistently at world class level.

"The women’s programme in particular has made good strides, with the top two pairs both ranking in the world top-50 in 2010.

"The athletes will now focus on competing to the best of their ability over the coming months in order to meet their Olympic selection criteria and achieve our shared ambition of British players on the court in both men’s and women’s competitions in London 2012.

"Beach Volleyball was one of the most watched events of the last Olympic Games in Beijing and the iconic location of the London 2012 competition at Horse Guards Parade will ensure a thrilling event which we hope will inspire a new generation of participants to try the sport across the UK."

BOA Director of Sport and Team GB Deputy Chef de Mission Clive Woodward said: "Beach Volleyball is a fast, tactical and dynamic sport and we are very pleased that Britain’s best players now have the opportunity to earn their place and showcase their talent on the biggest stage of all at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"British Volleyball has demonstrated to us their plans to use the London 2012 Olympics as a springboard for the long term future development of the sport in the UK and there will be no better opportunity to create a step change in participation than London 2012.

"It would be a very special moment to see the Union Flag’s being waved in support of British athletes as they walk onto the sand on Horse Guards Parade, within eyesight of some of London’s most iconic landmarks."

GB Beach Volleyball players Denise Johns and Lucy Boulton said: "It is fantastic news that the British Olympic Association has recognised our potential to achieve our very best at London 2012. But we haven't finished yet.

"Our dream is to vindicate the incredibly hard work we have been doing and make sure not just one but both teams play in London."