Beach volleyballers Chris McHugh and Damien Schumann go from fierce rivals to Commonwealth Games teammates

BEACH volleyballer Chris McHugh spent the past decade building up a fierce rivalry with Victorian Damien Schumann. Now they’re set to team up at the Commonwealth Games.

Australian beach volleyball players Chris McHugh and Damien Schumann. Picture: Jerad Williams.

BEACH volleyballer Chris McHugh spent the past decade building up a fierce rivalry with Victorian Damien Schumann.

Now the Kidman Park athlete is preparing to compete with Schumann by his side at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games this week.

The pair joined forces about 18 months ago after injuries to their respective volleyball partners and earned Commonwealth Games selection with a strong performance at the SA Open in January.

McHugh says the duo has what it takes to win a medal at the Games.

“Damien and I have played a lot of volleyball over the last 10 years, sometimes against each other, but more recently together,” McHugh, 28, says.

“With Damo coming from Victoria and me from SA there was always that Victorian/South Australian rivalry going on.

“Obviously we have jelled pretty well together and are playing some good volleyball.

“I think we are coming into the tournament ranked second, just behind Canada, so anything can happen.

“We’re aiming for that top podium.”

It will be beach volleyball’s debut at a Commonwealth Games – which McHugh describes as “a pretty cool experience”.

“Neither of us have ever been to an Olympic Games, so this is the pinnacle for us,” he says.

McHugh joins other local athletes competing at the Games, including Kurtis Marschall (pole vault), Pat Constable (track cycling) and Will Godward (shooting).

The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony is today (April 4).

Originally published as Beach volleyballers Chris McHugh and Damien Schumann go from fierce rivals to Commonwealth Games teammates