Focus fixed as Rotorua pair dream of Rio games

DREAM: Melissa Ruru has positive affirmations to spur on her Olympic dream. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 241014SP12

The mural at Blaze Fitness epitomises Melissa Ruru and her Rio Olympics quest.

Dream. Believe. Achieve.

The 24-hour gym at Fairy Springs is just one of her training grounds as she and her beach volleyball partner Danielle Quigley try to qualify for the 2016 games.

It's not as simple as being the best in New Zealand. With only limited teams spots available they have to prove they are among the top 24 pairs in the world.

The dream has been ongoing, but the belief remains as strong as ever, especially now Ruru and her partner have established themselves as the pair to beat.

Today they play the Mairangi Challenger in Auckland, the second pre-season tournament.

"She has a great attitude on and off the court - it was a perfect match," said Ruru, the more experienced of the pair at 30.

"She's not afraid to speak her mind, positive criticism and that's what I enjoy."

If you've ever wondered how a pro beach volleyballer trains in inland Rotorua then you wouldn't be surprised to hear there are many trips to the Mount to train on the sand. Ruru does strength training at Blaze Fitness - cranking out her 45-minute set after a busy day working as a trainee police detective - and she swims 2km per session for aerobic fitness. "I hate running."

Her season is already mapped out - pre-season, pro season in January, tournaments in Australia and beyond that the Continental Cup in Asia.

That is where the hard work will be played out.

"It would be great if it were like the Commonwealth Games but we have to be in the best two teams from New Zealand to get to the Continental Cup.

"There we have to fight against the rest of the world to get to the Olympics. It's the journey that makes it exciting. It's a world-class experience. It's within arm's reach. Now I've got Danielle we're stronger and it's getting closer but we have to grab it."

The two have "a huge" amount of support from their sponsors, Harcourts, Kemble & Co, Moko Clothing, BLK. Aituz Chiropractor and Force X Velocity.