Chris McHugh and Damien Schumann could not have hoped for a more exciting challenge on debut, taking on the world number one team when the men’s Beach Volleyball competition gets underway at Shiokaze Park on Saturday.
Their first opponents in Pool A are the young Norwegian duo of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who have been the number one team in the world for the past three years. Despite missing the medals in their last three tournaments before the Games, they are still gold medal contenders and a tough opening matchup.
Damien Schumann said he and McHugh are looking forward to starting off their first Olympic campaign against such quality opponents.
“They’re well on their way to becoming one of the best, if not the greatest, beach volleyball teams of all time,” Schumann said.
“Of course it’s a huge challenge for us - there is nowhere to hide against the number one team in the world. But it will also be a great opportunity and we’re really looking forward to it,” he said.
The two teams have not played against each other recently, but McHugh still remembers training together a few years back, when the Norwegians had not yet made their mark on the international beach volleyball tour.
“They’re phenomenal competitors on the court, but also great guys off the court,” he said.
“Mol is one of the most gifted beach volleyball players to ever grace the sand, but if we play to our best standard, I think we can compete.
“It’s their first Olympic Games just as it is our first, so there might be some nerves involved. If we play really well, we have a chance,” McHugh said.
Australia v Norway is the second match of Pool A which also includes Spain and the Russian Olympic Committee. McHugh and Schumann will take to the sand at 11pm AEST to round up the first day of Beach Volleyball competition in Tokyo.
