Florian Schnetzer – The athlete who masters the most extreme conditions

At 37 years old, Florian Schnetzer is one of the most experienced athletes in outdoor volleyball competitions. At the same time, he is drawn to the most extreme conditions. Every year he chooses to compete in Ios, battling “the worst wind he has ever faced”. He has played in the middle of storms and snowfall in Beach Volleyball tournaments in Hamburg and is considered one of the “pioneers” of snow volleyball.

In his interview, Florian Schnetzer reflected on the unique challenges he has faced, his love for Greece, and his thoughts about the future of Snow Volleyball.

You are coming to the Ios Futures once again this year. What do you like about the island?
It is a very beautiful place, the colours of the sea are very nice. We like coming here, we always bring the whole family and have a great time. These past two years we did not do very well, but I have very good memories and a silver medal here. Now we are out of the tournament and can enjoy this beautiful island.

Is it a combination of vacation and Beach Volleyball?
I wouldn’t say that; we focus on the sport. But if there is a place where you can also relax at the same time, this is it.

You have been coming to Greece for many years. There is a special condition here with the wind – how do you handle it?
You have to be mentally prepared. You have to accept that it is extremely difficult, and if you do that, you can perform. It is difficult for everyone, so in a way that makes it interesting. It is an outdoor sport and you have to adapt. This time we didn’t do it well and got eliminated.

Are the extreme conditions in Beach Volleyball part of its charm?
I like Beach Volleyball because it is constantly different – the sand, the sun, the rain, the wind. It can be hot, it can be cold. You have to adapt the way you play, and it is difficult. It hurts that we lost, but it is such a beautiful sport, and it is nice to have conditions like these and manage them properly.

What are the most extreme conditions you have ever experienced in Beach Volleyball?
When it comes to wind, Ios is up there. But the most extreme conditions I have ever experienced were in Hamburg. There was a storm, we played at zero degrees, and it was snowing. Those are the craziest conditions I have ever faced.

You have a lot of experience in Snow Volleyball – how does it compare to Beach Volleyball?
There are big differences. On snow it is a different sport; it is three-a-side, but still not indoors, and it is also very fun.

Do you think it could gain more popularity in the coming years?
In recent years it has declined quite a lot. Previously there was great enthusiasm, but after the coronavirus pandemic it followed a downward trend. If there are a few tournaments, it is nice to compete, but I am not sure whether the sport will make a comeback.

Will we see you competing in Ios again next year?
It is not certain yet. If I continue competing it will be nice to come, but even if I don’t compete, we will still visit the island again.