Two London-based British champion beach volleyball siblings have taken another step forward in their dream to compete in the 2024 Olympics, after securing a third year of support from QTS Group.
Javier and Joaquin Bello will join 13 other athletes from across the UK as they continue to be supported by the national rail contractors’ Youth Athlete Programme.
As part of the programme, the 20-year-old brothers will receive financial backing to help support their warm weather training, as well as travel and accommodation costs when training.
Last year, the Bello brothers became British Champions for the second consecutive year and retained their number one ranking within the UK, despite the struggles that COVID-19 presented to their training regime.
The boys missed out on qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but are now looking forward to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Javier and Joaquin’s earliest memories of volleyball go back to when they were just four years old. By the time they were six, they started playing mini league at their local club in Madrid.
After making the move to London in 2010, their parents made sure they found a local volleyball club to maintain their love of the sport.
Javier Bello said, “The support from QTS Group has been more crucial than ever over the last year and a half, with the pandemic causing many difficulties.
“We have the considerations, and costs, of elite athletes, but because the facilities were closed during consecutive lockdowns, our training programme was interrupted. However, QTS Group’s help meant we were able to adapt, purchase our own gym equipment, and continue our programme.”
Joaquin Bello said, “The ongoing support from QTS means we can continue competing at the highest level nationally and internationally, furthering our chances of success at Birmingham in 2022 and Paris in 2024.”
QTS Group launched its Youth Athlete Programme five years ago and, to date, has helped 22 young athletes across a range of sporting disciplines including, snowboarding, ice skating, kickboxing and beach volleyball.
Alan McLeish, Managing Director of QTS Group said, “We are delighted to welcome Javier and Joaquin back on to the Youth Athlete Programme for the third year, and do our bit in supporting beach volleyball at grass roots level.
“The two are great role models, and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve in the next year as continue forging a successful future!”
