Life’s A Beach For Team England Sports Star…Issa Batrane
And now he and teammate Freddie Bialokoz have seen off competition from around the world to give Team England its highest placing ever at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in South Africa.
Issa, 26 and 22-year-old Freddie, beat the world’s top teams, including US favourites, Olympians Taylor Crabb and Taylor Sander, to be placed 13 overall in the competition – the first time a GB squad has made it to the Elite 16.
Their performance now puts them in a strong position for the qualifiers for the Paris Olympics in 2024, which will be held next year.
As host of the 2012 Olympics, Britain was entitled to field a men’s beach volleyball team, but if Issa and Freddie are successful next year it will be first time a men’s team has qualified on merit.
“And obviously the chance to represent my country at the Olympics would be the absolute dream,” said Issa. “Not least because it might encourage other young people to take up the sport.”
Issa – awarded the UK Beach Tour Most Valuable Player in both 2017 and 2019, and holder of multiple senior British championships – hopes his success will also enable him to shine a spotlight on causes close to his heart.
An advocate of diversity and sustainability, he is using his sporting background, platform and various initiatives and business networks to make people more aware and impact change across all levels.
Issa and Freddie work with nutritional supplement company The Turmeric Co. to champion sustainability and fuel their training and partner with sports footwear brand Hylo Athletics to inspire positive sustainable change.
Issa is also an ambassador for Prevented Ocean Plastic, which recycles plastic collected from coastal areas at risk of ocean plastic pollution.
“I am completely committed to impacting a better and more equal world,” he said, “and hopefully I can use my sporting platform as a catalyst for change.”
For more information on Issa & Freddie’s brand partners please visit: