LONDON

Two years ago, Elodie Li Yuk Lo quit her job teaching high school biology and physical education, left her family in Toronto and moved to France to train for the Olympics. In February, partner Natacha Rigobert also walked away from teaching and began the countdown to London.

These two are making history for Mauritius - as the first Olympic beach volleyball players from the tiny East African island nation.

They are enjoying the moment, high-fiving at every opportunity during practice and between points.

Word from supporters back home is that they're gaining popularity in the media and in ads now that the Olympics have begun. Rigobert's husband, professor of sports psychology Thierry Long, is coaching them during this special run.

Mariusz Prudel and Grzegorz Fijalek of Poland also are making their country's debut in a sport long dominated by just a few countries, like Australia, Brazil and the United States. Both the Polish team and the Mauritians will take to the sand for the second time during Monday's schedule.

While beach volleyball is a huge hit and one of the most popular and sexy Olympic competitions, it is still relatively new on the program since becoming a medal sport at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Still, the first-time Olympic athletes realize they play a part in educating those back home and elsewhere.

"It's amazing. We're just so happy to be here as the first team ever in our history from Mauritius," Rigobert said. "It's even more fantastic that it's beach volleyball because our island is surrounded by beautiful beaches. We hope this will bring the sport up in our country and in Africa."

The Mauritians are one of several new teams in the Olympic tournament at picturesque Horse Guards Parade after beach volleyball Olympic qualifying moved away from an all-rankings system.

Li Yuk Lo and Rigobert get their next chance in pool play in a Monday matchup with Lenka Hajeckova and Hana Klapalova of the Czech Republic after losing their Olympic opener Saturday to the Brazilian team of Juliana Silva and Larissa Franca, 21-5, 21-10.

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Mauritius beach volleyball pair make Olympic debut