Barely there & fully covered: contrasting costumes on the Olympic volleyball court

Different styles, but shared excellence

The Olympics represents a coming together of the world’s diverse nations and cultures, and that was on display when Germany faced off with Egypt on the beach volleyball court in Rio, amid a stunning display of sporting excellence.

The two teams contrasted with their strikingly different choice of sportswear, with Germany’s Kira Walkenhorst and Laura Ludwig in barely-there athletic beach gear and Nada Meawad and Doaa Elghobashy covered up but still highly kinetic, in Islamic garments.

Despite these superficial differences, both teams exhibited their top-level skill and athleticism, and a shared Olympic spirit – with Germany eventually triumphing 21-12, 21-15. Well done all!

Uniform regulations have been adapted in recent years to allow more culturally inclusive styles.

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