Dampney wants to earn 2012 beach volleyball place on merit

By George Scott, Sportsbeat

LEADING British beach volleyball player Zara Dampney has vowed to make every second count in her bid to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics. 

AMBITIOUS: Zara Dampney, part of the Visa Team 2012 programme, wants to secure her Olympic debut on merit

Dampney has suffered mixed fortunes this year, despite making her World Championship debut in Norway in June and recording a best FIVB World Tour finish of ninth.

The 23-year-old - alongside partner Shaunna Mullins - were ranked 45th out of the 48 teams entered in Scandinavia and failed to pick up a single win, as did British number ones Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns.

Britain's last Olympic appearance was back in 1996, when the beach volleyball made its Olympic debut in Atlanta.

However,  after qualifying two teams for the World Championships for the first time this year, Dampney has vowed to get to 2012 on merit.

"The main aim over the next couple of years is to make sure that we qualify for the Olympics outright rather than having to rely on an invite," said Dampney - who trains and studies at the University of Bath.

"I know we can definitely do that and I'm confident we'll be able to achieve everything we want to over the next couple of years.

"We now know that every training session counts if we are to get to London and do well there so we're all going to work as hard as we can to make sure it happens.

"It's been a really good year for British Volleyball and I'm pleased with how things are progressing personally and with the team.

"We got a top ten at the FIVB World Tour in Norway which was a great achievement and shows that we're really moving in the right direction."

The incentive to compete at London 2012 couldn't be greater for Dampney with the beach volleyball being staged against at the iconic backdrop of Horse Guards Parade - in the heart of central London.

And with just under 1000 days to go until the Olympic torch is ignited - Dampney admitted she is more determined than ever to book her place.

"Whenever we meet up with our coach he gives us a rundown on how many days there are left until the Olympics in London so it's always there in the back of our mind," she added.

"I went down to see the Olympic Stadium at the start of the month as part of Visa Team 2012 and it was incredible to see how far it's come along.

"It really brings it to life and makes you realise that it's actually happening - I really can't wait.

“But it’s coming along so quickly I won’t have to wait very long at all – it’s there on the horizon and it will be here before we know it.”