Quiet World Champion looking forward to the new season
Last year was a magic season for the gently spoken Argentine, Mariano Baracetti. In eight events he and his partner Martin Conde made the podium six times - including the gold medal at the Beach Volleyball World Championship in Klagenfurt, Austria and the silver medal at the Goodwill Games.
"It was wonderful," Mariano said, recalling Austria and his title. "The week of the competition I was thinking about what it would be like to win, and then suddenly it was us. I think perhaps only winning the Olympic gold would be better."
For many, living up to the level last year's success might be a tall order. Not so for Mariano, who is both humble and tranquil.
"Life has been very good to me, and I am able to take things as they come. Sometimes you win and things are going well, and then sometimes things are not so good." This tranquility, and a desire for balance in his life, gives him strength, he says.
Like many Beach players, Baracetti has been training in Teneriffe and he said he is considering moving there from his native Buenos Aires, where, with current economic crisis in the country is making life difficult for all Argentines.
"Martin already lives there and I am thinking of moving there with my wife," he said. "Many players are there in the winter. The weather is good and you can easily find players to practice with."