Volleyball stars Justine and Jordan Mowen determined to complete great underdog story

JUSTINE and Jordan Mowen are self-funded volleyball sisters who are determined to complete one of Australia’s great Olympic underdog stories.

QUEENSLAND beach volleyball stars Justine and Jordan Mowen are not letting anything get in the way of their bid to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

It was announced this week that beach volleyball would be included in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the sisters had to hold back their excitement as they continued to train for this year’s Olympics.

While the pair are proud their sport will be showcased in front of their home state in two years, they know they have to keep their eyes firmly on August.

Justine Mowen is determined to qualify for Rio. Pictures: Jack Tran

Justine said neither Games meant more than the other, but they have to qualify for the Olympics before thinking of anything else.

“It is exciting news but we have to make sure we stay focused on the job in front of us,” she said.

“I don’t think personally it would mean more. I would still have the same level of pride in myself and honour and gratitude. Having the Commonwealth Games on home soil, qualifying for that and being able to play in front of all your supporters would be great.

“(But) the Olympics is the absolute pinnacle of sport.’’

The Mowen sisters have not played at an international level since the end of last year, focusing mainly on domestic competitions in recent months.

They will pick up the pace again when they compete in the Asian championships from March 25 before the Olympic qualifying event, the AVC Continental Cup, in June.

Justine and Jordan Mowen at training. Pictures: Jack Tran

Justine said the self-funded pair have a tough road ahead of them but they are full of confidence that they can pull of a great underdog story to be in Rio.

“We are the underdogs in Australian beach volleyball because we are one of the teams that aren’t funded,” she said.

“Whenever you see an underdog come through and achieve success, that’s a great thing. Being sisters, it has an even nicer touch.

“It’s a balancing act for us. Not being fulltime athletes, it kind of hurts us a little bit and we can’t put in the same time and effort. But we try and do as much as we can within our scope.’’

Originally published as Volleyball stars Justine and Jordan Mowen determined to complete great underdog story