The sailors are cruising around the harbour of Marseille, the surfers riding the breaks of Tahiti, but Australian Beach Volleyball stars Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar believe they have the best venue of Paris 2024: The Eiffel Tower.
Situated at the base of the iconic landmark, the beach volleyball competition will take place at the spectacular Eiffel Tower Stadium.
Constructed exclusively for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, athletes from around the world are thrilled by the special experience.
“I think it's the best venue of them all,” Mariafe said.

“We're really excited to head in there tonight for a training. It's going to be so, so special playing in front of the Eiffel Tower. So unique and I'm definitely so excited.”
The pair have been competition partners since 2018, with Paris 2024 marking their third Olympic experience and second one competing together.
Looking to go one step further after their silver medal performance at the last Games, the pair are confident but not feeling the pressure.
“We definitely know that's what comes from the silver medal,” Taliqua said.
“We just take it one step at a time and that's literally all we focus on. Just every, every little step.”
“To be only the only team in Paris here with a medal from Tokyo in beach volleyball, I think we take that little bit of an advantage. Having been in the finals and having gone all the way.” Mariafe added.
Eager to get into competition, both athletes were feeling confident ahead of their opening Pool B match against China’s Chen Xue and Xia Xinyi on the exquisite centre court.
“I don't mind rubbing it into everyone else's faces.” Taliqua joked.
“We are fine at the Eiffel Tower. We know it's going to be electric. It's going to be exciting, how beach volley usually is.
“But to have that view, the location that comes along with it (the Eiffel Tower) is amazing.
“It’s going to be an epic experience for everyone, athletes and spectators as well.”
The Paris 2024 Olympic Beach Volleyball competition will start on 27 July at the Eiffel Tower Stadium center court, with medal matches on 9-10 August.
Shannon Knaus