Mike Ranz
Interview Vicky Arvaniti and Peter Gartmayer - Mixed emotion
The beach volleyball European Champions in a double interview: Five questions for Peter Gartmayer and Vicky Arvaniti.
What makes beach volleyball the coolest sport in the world?
Peter Gartmayer: Being able to let go, relaxing on the one hand; on the other, at least as much partying, and all this in combination with world class performances. And in the best case, also with sunshine and a beach atmosphere ... the all-inclusive club in sports.
Vicky Arvaniti: I think the conditions our sport is played in are a big advantage. I mean, usually it’s played on the beach, under the sun, those factors make beach volleyball attractive for most people.
How would a match against the opposite team turn out?
Vicky Arvaniti: It would be tough for them to beat us because we have the same energy source as they have.
Peter Gartmayer: Would we play with a women’s net? If so, it definitely wouldn’t be a happy encounter for both sides. The men would block mercilessly – apart from that, the women’s standing floatie service is unfair and doesn’t conform to FIVB.
What do you pay attention to when you watch a team of the opposite sex playing beach volleyball?
Peter Gartmayer: Have to disappoint – actually the sporting performance.
Vicky Arvaniti: I often watch men’s games because I think it’s really good to watch top-level players and how they react under tough situations. Because I think in our sport you don’t only need technical or physical skills, but also good reactions and have to be able to make the right decisions under great pressure.
What’s your next sporting goal?
Vicky Arvaniti: To get a better result in the 2008 Olympics than the 9th place I managed in Athens 2004.
Peter Gartmayer: In the coming year, to seriously vie for medals.
A glimpse into your unconscious: The last dream you had in which beach volleyball played a role …?
Vicky Arvaniti: … came true! During the European Championships I dreamt that we were celebrating the gold medal.
Peter Gartmayer: … nearly got my ex-partner and me into a rather sticky situation. Robert Nowotny and I were just on the highway traveling the legal 130km/h. Robert was steering and I was sleeping. In my dream, out of the air from the left came a ball, which I was able to masterfully fend off with a poke. Then, panning into reality: with my poke shot I hit the inside of the car’s roof two centimeters from Nowo’s head. Nothing happened, but since then I only sleep in the car with my arms tied by the seat belt.
