Next up in the spotlight series is Javier Bello. Javier is playing together with his brother Joaquin Bello and they are currently ranked 50th in the FIVB Beach Volleyball rankings. Let’s catch up with him!
Javier, how did you get into volleyball?
Our dad played professional indoor volleyball in Spain, and he started coaching us from age 6 at our local club in Madrid. We moved to the UK in 2010 and started playing more on the sand because there were more opportunities for us to play together and reach a high level.
What are the best moments volleyball and beach volleyball have given to you?
For sure last year’s Commonwealth Games medal has been my highlight so far, because it meant so much to us but also because it helped to promote our sport in the biggest stage and inspire thousands of people. Before that, our World Tour gold in Portugal was really memorable, but overall what resonates in my mind are all the great memories we make travelling and competing around the world. I hope we can continue to achieve more historic results for England in 2023 and keep growing as a team so we can create even more highlights.
What has been your biggest challenge so far, and how have you overcome it?
The serious injury that my brother sustained a few years ago was really tough on our team because it limited our ability to train and compete at 100% for almost 2 years. I had to be patient and trust in his recovery, which was difficult at times because of how much I love beach volleyball and want to win. It forced me to slow down and think long-term about my future in the sport, which helped me to overcome this difficult period and come out on the other side with some strong performances. In spite of the injury, with a lot of persistence we still managed to become the top ranked team in the UK and earned Great Britain’s only appearance at the Youth Olympic Games, so it was a good learning experience which also taught us how to manage injuries since then.
What is your goal in sport, and what do you hope to achieve outside of being an athlete?
Like every beach volleyball player, I want to play in the Olympic Games, and right now my focus is on taking one step at a time and making the most of what we have. I understand what it takes to reach the top, and I know that we don’t have some of those things yet, but I’m determined to keep pushing our level and challenging the top teams in the world. We are still young and progressing a lot every year, so I really think there is no limit to what we can achieve with our team, the BVF and other partners behind us. This year’s European Championship is definitely a nice objective we are striving towards, and longer-term we would like to change medal colour at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, qualify for the World Championship and many other really exciting goals.
Hard to say outside of being an athlete because I live and breathe on the court, but I am studying in hopes of finding a post-volleyball career that also drives and challenges me.
Javier Bello
“Last year’s Commonwealth Games medal has been my highlight so far, because it meant so much to us but also because it helped to promote our sport in the biggest stage and inspire thousands of people.”
What do you do outside of playing your sport; a job, a drive to develop young athletes, mentoring, coaching etc?
For the last 4 years, I have taken on a lot of responsibility in supporting aspiring players. I help my father coach them on a regular basis, and often train alongside them. It’s a great pleasure to work with passionate and dedicated players looking to take the next step in their beach volleyball careers, and it makes me very proud to contribute to their growth and development in my unique role as a coach, role model and training partner. I have also been coaching a high school team in Egham for the last 2 years, where my focus has been more on sharing my love for the game and making sure the students enjoy and take part in more physical activity. It’s clear how sport and an active lifestyle are hugely beneficial to young people’s health and wellbeing, yet many students in my school and across the UK do not take part in extra-curricular activities. This is something I have tried to change by making volleyball sessions inclusive to students of all backgrounds, previous experience and abilities.
Aside from coaching volleyball, I also visit schools and local youth clubs to talk about my experiences in order to educate, inspire and empower students. When I was growing up, I remember how amazing it was to have an elite athlete give up some of their time to speak to us. It was so encouraging to listen to their stories and learn their ‘secrets’, so now I try to give back to others and inspire them to pursue what they are passionate about.
What are you passionate about?
I love beach volleyball and I am highly driven to win and reach my highest potential, but I never lose sight of how I can positively impact others around me and all the people who are a part of my success. This is why I try to be a good role model to young players who are following my journey, hoping to inspire them and be a part of something bigger than myself. Knowing that I represent my country, my family, my team and everyone who has played a role in our journey also drives me to train every day and achieve great things with and for them.
Are there any interesting facts about you or your family/coach/friends you would like to share?
My cousin was a u21 World Champion and has been playing indoor volleyball for Spain for many years. He was also a big inspiration in why we decided to play together and pursue a beach volleyball career.
What skills do you think being an athlete has given you?
Being an athlete means having to overcome bad performances, injuries, etc., which has made me very adept at dealing with failure and solving problems. The last 4 years as a student-athlete have also helped to develop my time management, ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects at the same time, as well as giving me a great deal of discipline and commitment.
Are you working in partnership with any organisation in particular?
I am a youth athlete mentor as part of Sport for Champions and an ambassador for the Volleyball England Foundation, making efforts to promote volleyball and support young people through sport.