Press release

London, Great Britain, August 14, 2011 – FIVB Swatch Beach Volleyball 2011 world champion Emanuel Rego dropped into Horse Guard’s Parade with partner Alison Cerutti to run their eyes over the venue where they hope to add Olympic gold to their world titles.

The Brazilian duo were able to watch compatriots Liliane Maestrini and Angela Vieira in the final, where they beat the United States’ Jennifer Kessy and April Ross to take gold.

“I’m just taking it one step at a time to get to the Olympic Games,” Emanuel said.

“The World Championships in Rome were great for us because we had worked so hard from January and it was six months training to get to the top in Rome. I think we have the same motivation and strategy to do the same here at the Olympic Games.

“I’m so excited and surprised with the spot we have for beach volleyball. I think it is one of the best sites that I have ever seen because we are in the middle of everything and the atmosphere and the energy of this event is great.”

Emanuel already has a gold medal from the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and added a bronze in Beijing, while the win in Rome was his third world title.

Like most in attendance at the Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International, the test event for London 2012, Emanuel has no doubt that the central London venue will be one of the hottest tickets of the Games.

“Next year, from my point of view we are going to have a huge event,” he said. “I’ve seen lots of tourists come over, trying to see what is going on here and I think next year will be the same.

“The crowd has started to understand beach volleyball as a sport and as a party. It is a fun sport and not just about waiting in the stand during the match, you have to get involved.”