Sporting Clubs Coordinator, Bond University, Gold Coast, Shanon Zunker is on his way to representing Australia as part of the national beach volleyball team. Shanon, 25, is recognised as Queensland's top beach volleyball player and in June this year he was offered a full-time scholarship with the Queensland Academy of Sport.

The scholarship will give him access to some of the country's best coaches and sports science professionals.

He will also get nutritional advice and support, including the best athletic and lifestyle supplements and competition clothing from Gold Coast company, Body Science.

"The support from Body Science has helped me to maintain peak performance, both on and off the beach, and has helped me to significantly improve my power, my recovery, my speed and my general health and well-being," said Shanon.,

"Now I will be able to complement this support with training and advice from the QAS.

"This caps off a great year for me, and 2003 isn't finished yet," said Shanon.

"The rest of the year should be equally productive and exciting because the QAS coaches expect me to be ready to play for Australia within the next 12 months."

Shanon took up beach volleyball six years ago and until now, has had to finance all of his own training, travel and equipment expenses.

"But I have always dreamed of representing Australia and that goal has kept me focussed," he said.

"Now Iam recognised by QAS as an elite athlete.

"It doesn't get any better than this."