England’s Bello brothers reflect on maiden World Championships appearance

The pair made history by becoming the first male English pair to play at the event, held this year in Adelaide, Austraila.  

And though things did not go quite to plan Down Under, they are eager to return to that biggest stage next year as they build up to qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics. 

It was a motivating experience to play on this stage for the first time and being in the unique World Championships environment,” said Javier. 

“It has given us a lot of confidence that will serve us well in the bigger picture of this Olympic cycle.  

“It was a great reward to make it here after battling a few injuries this season. Despite not being at 100% physically, we showed that we can compete with the top teams and the potential that we have to make a deep run at the major tournaments. 

“The experience has been very important when we look ahead at next season and the next World Championships in 2027, which will be another key milestone in our career and will hopefully come in better circumstances, with our team fully healthy.  

“The next few months will be focused on recovering and rebuilding so we can push ahead to the next major goals. We are very excited to get back into our consistent training routine.” 

Drawn in Pool G and going in as number 31 seeds, they opened up against the French pair of Teo Rotar and Arnaud Gauthier-Rat. 

The Bellos got off to a flyer, taking the first set 21-17, but their opponents fought back strongly to level (21-15) and then clinch the tie break. 

Jacob Hölting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson were the next team they faced and it proved to be a meeting to forget as the young Swedes came through 25-14, 25-13. 

But, as so often is the case, the London-based pair raised their game for the final match, against Australia’s Ben Hood and Oliver Merritt, with a place in the Lucky Losers matches at stake. 

The Bellos had to dig deep as they dropped the first set 21-18 and, after levelling (21-17), they again found themselves up against it in the deciding tie break, trailing 8-5. 

When it mattered, the pair found an extra gear and eked out a 16-14 success, Joaquin sealing victory with a monster block. 

Javier added: “It was a very special moment to make the comeback against Australia, especially with our family and friends cheering for us and conscious of the difficult road that we have travelled leading up to this World Championships.”  

That win carried the pair out of the group and through to a meeting with another Lucky Loser team in the shape of New Zealand’s Bradley Fuller and Ben O’Dea. 

It was not to be for the Bellos, however, as they lost a tight encounter 21-17, 22-20 to end their hopes. 

“It always stings when you know you could’ve gone further, but with perspective we can also see the incredible efforts that we have made to get here, and the amazing memory of our first World Championships that we have created,” said Javier. 

“The level is higher than ever in the history of the sport, with the tournament so open - the top two seeds have been knocked out before the quarter-finals. We have proven that we are able to fight for the top spots.” 

Volleyball England’s Chief Executive Officer, Charlie Ford, was full of praise for the journey the trailblazing pair have been on over the last few months in the face of adversity. 

He said: “Of course, we would all have loved to see the Bello brothers progress even further, but nothing can take away from the magnitude of what they’ve achieved.  

“Becoming the first men’s team ever to represent England at the World Beach Championships and advancing from the pool phase is an historic milestone in itself. 

“Their season has been riddled with injuries and setbacks, yet they’ve met every challenge with resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to blazing a trail for English Beach Volleyball. 

“My overriding feeling is one of pride and admiration. I can’t wait to see them back on court at Crystal Palace next weekend, where I know the home crowd will give them the heroes’ welcome and support they richly deserve.” 

Images courtesy of Beach Volleyball World

Watch the Bellos play on home sand at Queen and King of the Court London by clicking here to buy tickets.