Volleyball player Danilo von Ludwiger hopes to get SA back to the Olympic games
To get a ticket to the Paris Games Danilo Von Ludwiger has teamed up with Leo Williams and together they are currently ranked 1st in Africa. At the recent African Games, the pair won the silver medal.
South African beach volleyball player Danilo von Ludwiger. Picture: Supplied.
JOHANNESBURG - Danilo von Ludwiger a sixth year MBCHB student at the University of Pretoria (Tuks) initially started playing Beach Volleyball for the vibe and setting of the sport but is now digging deep to get a spot at the Olympics.
“I picked the sport for multiple reasons but I think the biggest one was the vibe and setting of the sport. It’s usually at the beach, everyone is chilling, being active, socialising and having a good time. All over the world, this vibe can be identified in beach volleyball athletes, and I love it.”
To get a ticket to the Paris Games Danilo Von Ludwiger has teamed up with Leo Williams and together they are currently ranked 1st in Africa. At the recent African Games, the pair won the silver medal.
“It was my first time competing on a continental level, so competing for Team South Africa and bringing back a silver medal was a great honour. The gold medal was definitely within reach but couldn’t seal the deal in the final against Morocco.
Nonetheless, this tournament served as an optimal preparation and scouting opportunity for us, since we will be competing against the same teams at the Continental Cup in June, which is our Olympic Qualifier for Paris 2024.”
Unlike indoor volleyball, where the two competing teams' field six players each, teams in beach volleyball can only field two players per side on the court. There are no substitutions allowed in beach volleyball.
“Similar to most athletes, Paris 2024 is the goal. The African Games were a good indication of who/what we are up against at our qualifiers, and we are hungry to get South Africa the African beach volleyball spot in the 2024 Olympic Games.”
The last time South Africa made an appearance at the Olympic Games was in 2012 at the London Games.
Danilo Von Ludwiger and Leo Williams need to win at the Continental Cup Tournament in June where the top 24 African teams will be competing. The team that wins is off to the Olympics.
“We are up there with the best in Africa. In fact, we are currently ranked first in Africa on the official FIVB World Rankings, and we are aiming for gold in June at the qualifiers.
“The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of elite sport for every elite athlete, and being able to represent the green and gold at that level would be the greatest honour, and would do wonders for South African Volleyball.”
The athlete is also aiming for the World Student Beach Games taking place in September in Rio de Janeiro where he hopes to represent University Sports South Africa (USSA), as well as Team South Africa for a second time.
“I competed at the 2022 FISU World University Beach Championship, and I’m hoping to improve my ranking this year.”
The aspiring doctor has won the Beach Volleyball USSA Championship for the University of Pretoria, competed at the World University Beach Championships in 2022, and played against the world’s best on the Beach Volleyball Pro Tour in Europe last year.
“Without a solid teammate, you cannot be competitive in beach volleyball. Chemistry is crucial on the court since it’s only the two of you. Beach volleyball is two-a-side, there is no hiding, and your weaknesses are and will be exposed every time you play. A good partnership, where you support each other, help each other strengthen your weaknesses and bring out each other’s strengths is the key to a successful team."
He says the partnership goes beyond the court, off-court friendships and families also get involved.
“And I love that about Beach Volleyball. You go to war together, win together, lose together, there’s no “I” in team.”
The Tuks student athlete points out that competitive beach volleyball is a high-pressure environment, adding that the pressure challenges one mentally and physically.
“You need to control your emotions and aggression, otherwise you will not succeed. Going into a tournament with a clear mind and good mental health is very important, because it reflects on court. Focus, discipline, mental toughness and resilience will get you to the podium, and with an unstable mind you won’t be able to produce the result you are expecting.”