2017 Preview: World Grand Prix to celebrate 25th edition

Lausanne, Switzerland, January 4, 2017 – Featuring a record number of 32 teams, and record prize money of $600,000 for the winners, the 25th anniversary edition of the FIVB World Grand Prix in 2017 promises to be a historic spectacle.From a sporting point of view, the most prestigious annual showdown in the world of women’s volleyball (July 7 to August 6) is also guaranteed to be an exciting affair. Defending champions Brazil will be out to win a twelfth title and make amends for the bitter disappointment suffered at their home Olympics in Rio de Janeiro last year when they finished fifth.Jose Roberto Guimaraes remains in his role as coach of the Brazilian women’s team. “I have been with the squad for 13 years and we have a new challenge in this new cycle after the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,” he said. The Olympic Champions from 2008 and 2012 were the favourites to win the women’s title in Rio but were stunned in the quarterfinals by gold medallists China (3-2). “The motivation is the same,” Ze Roberto said emphatically. “To represent my country is one of the most important tasks that I have and I am very grateful for that. The great challenge of this next cycle is to continue keeping Brazilian volleyball among the best in the world. New, talented girls are emerging – a new generation. They are working very hard, vying for championships and achieving good results.” And this year’s World Grand Prix will be the first step towards the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.  It is not yet certain whether Olympic champions China will still be coached by their charismatic trainer “Jenny” Lang Ping. The first woman ever to win the Olympic volleyball competition as both a player (1984 in Los Angeles) and coach …

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