Smiles for Number One! New Zealand beach volleyball pair Jo Waller and Fiona Schrimshaw. Photo: Layla Murrihy
Wednesday 7 November 2018
By Layla Murrihy
New Zealand women’s beach volleyball pair Fijoa have taken gold in their first ever outing in the women’s 50+ beach volleyball competition at the Pan Pacific Masters Games.
The two friends, Jo Waller, 53, and Fiona Schrimshaw, 52, both found a love for volleyball in their late teens and have continued to enjoy the competitive and social nature of the sport.
Once opponents, the all-star power duo began playing on the hard courts together in the late ‘90s before making the move to the sand last year.
The kiwi duo won gold on debut at the 2017 Auckland World Masters Games women’s beach volleyball competition and decided to test out their talent here on the Pan Pacs stage.
While competitive and strong, the two are very much fun loving and easy-going mates who are enjoying what the Gold Coast has to offer both on and off the court for the two families who have come along for the trip.
One half of the team, Fiona Schrimshaw, said they are having such a great time with all the competitors, but are here to do their best.
“Among the athletes there is great camaraderie, but like everyone here we wanted to take away the win,” Fiona said.
Partner Jo Waller said she can’t get enough of the atmosphere at Kurrawa Beach.
The pair has high hopes for their future, with the upcoming 2021 Kansai World Masters Games in their sights.
For now, the standards have been set for the rest of the week, with the mixed teams tournament beginning today.
