First Step for Womens Olympic Volleyball
Friday 4th November 2011
Italy look to defend their title from 2007
The first step in the qualification process for London 2012 begins with the return of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup. The tournament will run from November 4 to18 and will see the top three teams qualify for the Olympics, joining Great Britain who, as the host country, already has an Olympic berth. A total of 12 teams will take part in the contest, all of which will have qualified for the tournament through their respective continental competitions, either as the champions or as one of the four best runners-up from around the world. Additionally, two wildcards were selected with hosts Japan also set to compete.
Italy are defending champions when they claimed their first ever title, they denied current world number 1’s Brazil a first gold as the South American side had to be content with a third silver medal in four tournaments. However, Italy are trying to defend their title without one of their key attackers Serena Ortolani. USA completed the podium with bronze matching their highest position in the tournament after they finished third in 2003. Cuba will be favourable outsiders even though they haven’t won a medal since 1999, when they won their 4th tournament in succession.