TEAM England’s beach volleyball star Jess Grimson is relieved to get back onto the sands of Bournemouth beach to recommence training ahead of qualification for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grimson’s contact time with her new partner Daisy Mumby has been limited since making their first appearance earlier in the year in Brazil.

Grimson, 29, said: “We had some good preparation at the start of a new partnership, and it went very well. But as soon as we came back, we trained once together in London and haven’t trained since.

“It’s been a bit of a shame on that front, but hopefully by September time our domestic tour will hopefully have a block of competitions on to get out and get competing.”

Despite the break in competition, Grimson has created makeshift volleyball facilities in her garden to stay sharp in lockdown.

She added: “I’ve been very lucky and probably feel fitter than I’ve ever been because I’ve been running and cycling much longer than I usually would.

“But I just want to get back on the sand and do more specific training and get ready for a potential season which I don’t think will happen, but I’ll make sure I’m ready just in case.”

Ensuring she is prepared for the back end of this season and for 2021 is key for Grimson and Mumby’s chances of qualification for Birmingham 2022.