Azernews.Az

Denmark's semi-amateur Beach Volleyball teams are so busy competing and studying that they have no time for anyone other than their team-mates.

Such perspective can be rare in professional sport, where scientists, development specialists, high-performance coaches and others often crowd the space, creating a bubble from reality.

But for the Danes, all of whom combine university studies with playing on the international stage, perspective is a value they are looking to use to their advantage.

"If you are professional, one training session follows another, but for us each session is a big thing," said Peter Diling Kildegaard Andersen. "You have to prioritise and be effective."

The art of learning itself, fostered in university lecture halls, is also a factor that the Danes feel can give them an edge on the sand.

"We don't have any time. It teaches you how to learn quickly. This is vital for Beach Volleyball as well," said Andersen's partner Kristoffer Abell.

The Danish women's team take it a step further, pointing out that the relentless time pressure has a further benefit - team spirit.

"We have no time for anything. No friends, we only have each other," said Cecilie Olsen.

Their semi-amateur status is creating a pressure-free environment that compatriot Line Trans is relishing.

"We came here on a wild card. Denmark hasn't been to these big tournaments or anything, so the national teams are just happy to come out and play."

Win or lose, their positive attitude is sure to win the Danes plenty of friends at Baku's Beach Arena.

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