FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Project Propels Uruguayan Beach Volleyball to Success

Uruguay’s beach volleyball national teams have undergone a huge transformation thanks to the coach support through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment and Development programmes. Over the past few years, the country’s beach volleyball pairs have seen significant success on the continental stage.

With a total investment of CHF 267,000 in coach support since 2017, the FIVB’s support of both women’s and men’s beach volleyball in the South American country has grown considerably year-on-year.

As part of the support, the Uruguayan Volleyball Federation has brought on board Technical Director Juan Manuel Cartagena de Jesús, marking the commencement of a professionalisation process within the coaching staff.

Uruguay’s recent achievements on the sand include its first gold medal in a South American Circuit stage, thanks to the efforts of Hans Hannibal and Marco Cairús. They also finished fourth in the CSVP finals which earned them a spot at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Rome 2022.

Uruguay also claimed a silver medal in the 2023 Santa Marta Games, courtesy of the male duo, Hans Hannibal and Nicolás Llambías. The same pair, along with the female duo María Isabel Bianchi and Sol Acuña, secured their spots in the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, set to be held from 20 October to 5 November.

In addition, in November 2022, the U21 pair of Nicolás Busiello and Luciano Fernández qualified for the World Championship set to be held in Thailand.

According to Technical Director Manuel, the goal is to break into the top eight at the Pan American Games and secure a top-four position in South America by 2024. Looking further ahead, the aim is to qualify for the World Championship in both categories and secure medals at the 2026 South American Games.

"In the younger categories, the objective is to secure qualification for the U19 World Championship, as we've already achieved it in the U21 category. Additionally, we aspire to win medals at the upcoming 2025 South American Youth Games and secure qualification for Dakar 2026," Manuel said.

New Generation aiming at Dakkar 2026

Currently, Uruguay boasts two pairs competing in the Beach Pro Tour Circuit: Hans Hannibal and Nicolás Llambías in the men's category, and María Isabel Bianchi and Sol Acuña in the women's category.

Volleyball Empowerment has played a pivotal role in professionalising beach volleyball in Uruguay. For the first time, it has become possible for a coach to dedicate themselves full-time to athletes and training. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary team was assembled to collaborate closely with the coach.

Uruguay's main goal in beach volleyball is securing a place in the Olympic Games, a feat yet to be accomplished by the country. To achieve this, according to the coach, investments in the technical and psychological growth of the athletes are essential, along with increased participation in international competitions.

HANS FEDERICO HANNIBAL FUENTES, 26 YEARS OLD

"I started playing as a child, influenced by my parents, but in 2011, I began to train seriously and organise my life around volleyball. Today, I can align my work schedule with the sport. I've always admired defensive players like Emanuel Rego, Todd Rogers, and Sorum. My goal is to win medals for my country, make volleyball stronger, and, of course, I have the Olympic dream."

MARÍA ISABEL BIANCHI WILKINSON, 21 YEARS OLD

"I used to play on the indoor court until the day I stepped in as a replacement for a beach volleyball athlete who couldn't travel. From that moment, I never left the beach. My doubles partner is my sister, Veronica. I'm dedicated to both volleyball and my studies, and I aspire to make history in Uruguayan volleyball. My goal is to inspire new generations and contribute to the continuous growth of the sport in our country."

MARCO CAIRÚS LUCARELLI, 26 YEARS OLD

"Sports have always been a part of my life, but it became my primary focus 11 years ago. Like all athletes, my ultimate dream is to make it to the Olympics, following in the footsteps of the player I've always admired, the Brazilian Emanuel Rego."