RIO DE JANEIRO — It is about a block and a half from where Pedro Solberg lives to where he practices on the sand of Ipanema, at the end of Rua Garcia d’Avila. Most days, when he is not traveling on the professional beach volleyball tour, Solberg does not venture more than about two blocks from home. All he needs is here: food, fun and practice.
He is the definition of a Carioca, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, and a local favorite in the Olympic event that feels most at home here. Beach volleyball for the Summer Games will take place at Copacabana, the next beach over from Ipanema.