The shanty town overlooking Ipanema beach is still quiet at 7.30 in the morning when Isabel Salgado's family arrives to work.

She is a 49-year-old volleyball veteran who manages her children's career and even sometimes trains them. Maria Clara, still eating her breakfast, plays with younger sister. Pedro won the world circuit in 2008.

Beach volleyball is normally associated with girls in bikini, sunshine and beach. But there is no easy life for Isabel's clan.  

[Isabel Salgado, Brazilian Veteran Volleyball Player]:

"While we are here at the beach, we are really totally focused on volleyball. But when we are out of here, we feed ourselves on other things. We go to the movies, we have a normal life like everybody."

The two sisters put their best efforts and analyse what goes right or wrong. Carolina admits that playing in the family can be a tough game.

[Carolina Solberg, Professional Beach Volleyball Player]:

"Sometimes it is difficult to forget we are sisters because we are very close to each other. So, there is  good and bad side all the same time. But in the end we sort all of our problems out, we fight a lot but we do not let thing get out of proportion."

Volleyball is the only beach sport included in the Olympic program. With a coast more than 8,000 kilometers long, Brazil has so many competitors it won't be easy for Maria Clara and Carolina to to make it to London 2012.

Pedro has better prospects because he is joining Ricardo, the top player in the world. He also has high hopes for the Games in his own city, where violence is rampant and gangs live in permanent war in the slums.

[Pedro Solberg, Professional Beach Volleyball Player]:

"I hope they the authorities look at favelas like this and others, and realize how much potential there is in there, how many young kids, smart, with skill and agility."

After a hard day of work, it is time for a well deserved refreshment. Clara has the final message on what she believes the Olympics can bring to her beloved and battered city.

[Maria Clara Salgado Rufino, Professional Beach Volleyball Player]:

"It's a wonderful place, I know we were born here and for sure it is very dangerous and we have to work a lot to change this image."

United, they wish the best for Rio and beach volleyball.