Beach volleyball is an exciting sport that has been gaining popularity since its inception in the early 20th century. Its fast-paced action, athleticism, and striking atmosphere make it a fan favorite at major sporting events.
One such event was the London 2012 Olympics, where beach volleyball was one of the most popular events. But where exactly was beach volleyball played in London 2012? Let’s take a closer look.
The Venue
The beach volleyball event at the London 2012 Olympics took place at the Horse Guards Parade, an iconic venue in central London that has hosted numerous significant events over the years. The Horse Guards Parade is a large parade ground that has been used to celebrate national events such as Trooping the Colour and state visits.
During the Olympics, temporary stands were erected around the parade ground to accommodate up to 15,000 spectators who came to watch some of the world’s best beach volleyball players compete for gold.
The Setup
The Horse Guards Parade was transformed into a fully functional beach volleyball court for the duration of the Olympic Games. The temporary venue had six courts set up side by side with enough space between them for players and officials to move around freely.
Each court measured around 16 meters by eight meters and had a layer of sand measuring around 30cm deep. The sand used for each court was specially imported from a quarry in Surrey and transported to London by more than 600 lorries.
The courts were enclosed by temporary fencing and had a warm-up area behind each court where players could prepare for their matches.
The Matches
The beach volleyball tournament at London 2012 saw some of the best teams from all over the world compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals. A total of 24 teams competed in both men’s and women’s categories.
The format of the tournament consisted of round-robin matches followed by knockout rounds leading up to the medal matches. The teams that finished in the top two positions in each group advanced to the knockout stages of the tournament.
The gold medal match for both men and women took place on August 8, 2012, with the United States taking home both gold medals. The women’s team of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won their third consecutive Olympic gold medal, while the men’s team of Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers won their first Olympic gold medal.
The Legacy
The Horse Guards Parade proved to be an excellent venue for beach volleyball during the London 2012 Olympics. The temporary setup was a testament to how versatile and adaptable sporting events can be when it comes to finding unique venues that can accommodate different sports.
Today, the Horse Guards Parade is still used for various events, including concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events. However, it will always be remembered as one of the iconic venues that hosted one of the most exciting beach volleyball tournaments in Olympic history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, beach volleyball at London 2012 was played at the iconic Horse Guards Parade.
The format of the tournament consisted of round-robin matches followed by knockout rounds leading up to the medal matches. Today, Horse Guards Parade continues to host various events but will always be remembered as a significant location for beach volleyball at London 2012.