WOMEN’S beach volleyball is set to become one of the most popular spectator sports at the Olympics this summer.

Former Parkstone Grammar School pupil, Zara Dampney, 25, of Poole is part of the British Olympic squad.

She took a break from her tour of Prague, to reveal how she is preparing for the biggest game of her life.

“My day starts at around 8am. I train five to six days a week for around six hours a day. “Training consists of technical, competitive sand sessions, weights sessions, cardio sessions, video analysis, psychology meetings and recovery sessions.

“I have a nutritionist and have to eat the right food at the right times to get the best recovery. My body needs lots of carbs and protein to perform properly.

“My kit consists of regulation bikini bottoms and sports bras which is very minimal so my beauty regime is important too.

“As part of my preparations, I am currently having laser hair removal at The Harley Medical Group around my bikini line and underarms.”

So how did you get into beach volleyball?

“I played a lot of volleyball at Parkstone Grammar School and competed for the school.

“This access to volleyball greatly helped my development.

“I began playing beach volleyball about six years ago, but previous to that I played indoor volleyball when I was 12 for my club, Wessex Volleyball.

“I played indoor for many years as a hobby and loved playing at weekends. I moved to Beach Volleyball when London 2012 was announced with the aim of qualifying.”

How does it feel to have the opportunity to represent your country?

“I feel very excited to have the chance to play for my country in my home country. “It would be a huge honour and something I have worked very hard to achieve. It would make me very happy!”

Do you spend much time in Poole?

“I spend most of the year away but I still love going home. Poole is a place with so many good memories.

“The countryside in Dorset is also beautiful and makes me feel at home.”