Swedish Olympic champions call on Adelaide fans to join the party at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships

Swedish Olympic champions David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig are calling on sporting fans to rally behind them as ‘honorary Australians’ as the competition at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships reaches the pointy end.

With just four days of play remaining before the World Champions are crowned, Åhman and Hellvig are preparing to match up against Frenchmen Rémi Bassereau and Calvin Aye on Centre Court tonight in the Round of 16.

The duo are known for their flair on the sand and bringing the energy for the crowd, making their matches a must event. 

“We hope to play good and win that game – we know it’s going to be tough, they are a really good team,” Hellvig said.

“They [French team] are two big guys, so we’re going to give it our all,” he said.

Having spent the last two weeks in Australia training and competing, Åhman and Hellvig said they have loved the hospitality shown by the home crowd and Australia.

“It’s been great, it’s been super nice weather and it’s a really nice city. The venue here is just amazing,” Hellvig said.

“I’ve got to say that the atmosphere here is really nice as well on Centre Court, and especially when there are a lot of people watching, and I think the Australians are really good fans,” he said.

While winning Olympic gold until the Eiffel Tower will be a career highlight for the Swedish duo, winning World Championships gold is the biggest goal on their minds for 2025.

“World Champs is the biggest tournament this year for sure, so it’s a big goal for us and a medal would be amazing,” Hellvig said.

The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships reaches the Round of 16 stages, with Australian rapper Illy set to heat up Centre Court 

ARIA Award-winning musician Illy will bring his signature blend of hip hop, pop and genre-bending energy to The Drive in the heart of Adelaide, as the World Championships continue their fusion of epic music meets elite sport.

As the Beach Volleyball World Championships moves to the business end of the tournament, fans will be treated to quality action and quality entertainment.