A debut at the World Championships in Adelaide last year was just another checkmark on their journey to Los Angeles for the Bello brothers.

Javier and Joaquin are five-time British champions and have been the #1-ranked British team for the last seven years.

They both know the journey ahead is a long one, but ultimately could reward years of effort with the fulfillment of their Olympic dream.

Preparing for that “Special Moment”

Only one other British pair has ever competed at the Olympics in Beach Volleyball, and the Bellos say that getting to compete at the Games constitutes the “final step” in an already incredible career.

“We have already achieved historical results in every other major competition,” they told The 1461. “Making the Olympics will be incredibly meaningful after many years of consistent hard work.”

And that hard work began at an early age. Born in Madrid in 2000, the pair were coached from the age of six by their father Luis, who had played professionally in Spain.

Using him as an “early inspiration” along with receiving coaching and training from him, they moved to the UK in 2011 and soon started competing in adult tournaments to aid their development.

Eventually, in 2015, they began competing and medalling in youth European and World competitions. This included winning Gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017, before also competing at both the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics and 2019 U19 World Championships.

Fast forward to 2026, and the pair are now five-time British champions and were ranked top 10 in the world as recently as last year.

Just under 18 months ago, the pair told the BBC they “should be reaching a physical peak in the next Olympic cycle.”

The very real prospect of qualifying for the Olympics looms large for the pair.

“It would be a very special moment for our team and especially for our family,” say the brothers.

But First, Qualification

Olympic qualification starts in August with the European Beach Volleyball Championships, with the winners of each Continental Championship automatically qualifying for the Olympics. In addition, the 2027 World Championships-winning pair will qualify, as will one team per gender for the hosts, the United States.

There will also be a final Olympic Qualification Series, with the last three places up for grabs. But the biggest route to qualifying is through the World rankings, with 14 qualifying through it.

The ranking window opens in November, and runs until Spring 2028 – a long window for the Bellos to focus on.

That’s why for them the key lies in the Pro Tour, with consistency and performing well repeatedly at the top of their list of priorities.

In 2024, they became the first British champions of an elite international beach volleyball event, winning the Beach Pro Tour Elite16 event in Rio de Janeiro.

“Our immediate goals are very aligned with what we will need to qualify for LA. Staying healthy, competing regularly, and achieving high results, starting now and following through into 2027. “

Performances on the Tour are paired with a focus off court as well, with the pair training six days a week on the sand.

“Add in 3-4 strength conditioning sessions every week, as well as active recovery on our off day. It’s a busy schedule that maximises our preparation for very intense competition periods where we are playing 2 matches each day.”

Support from the British Volleyball Federation (BVF)

The pair are part of the British Beach Volleyball Performance Programme, which supports athletes with the potential to reach major competitions and ultimately the Olympic Games.

As a development funded sport, the BVF’s twin remit is not only to qualify athletes for the next Olympic Games, but to develop athletes for future Games as well.

The Bello Brothers’ funding helps them compete internationally at ranking events, such as the FIVB Beach Pro Tour, European Beach Championships or World Beach Championships, events that will be crucial for Olympic qualification.

“We are fortunate to receive via British Volleyball Athlete Personal Awards to go towards our training and living costs as full time athletes.”

The pair are still supported by their father, who receives support from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment fund, and plays an “essential” role in their performance.

“We also get sports science support to monitor our load, optimize our S&C programme, and manage our recovery. “

Brothers “Mentally Prepared”

So what is the main thing that will get Javier and Joaquin to the Olympics, in their eyes?

“The main thing is for us to be healthy and compete in enough tournaments. From there, we will need to perform to our highest level as many times as possible and maximise every opportunity.

“The road is long and full of challenges, but we are mentally prepared to face them.”

Part of the Summer Olympic program since 1996, the Los Angeles competition will be held in Long Beach at a specially constructed venue – The Alamitos Beach Stadium.

“We have no doubt it will be a hugely successful and unforgettable event, so we are doing everything we can to be part of it.”