A two-piece dilemma

London: They cut striking figures and, performing energetically in the sand in barely there bikinis, beach volleyball players have no trouble attracting spectators at the Olympics.

But while the skimpy outfits help to make it the second most popular event after the men's 100 metres final, they have left the sport with an image problem that may be putting off sponsors. Half a million tickets have been sold for beach volleyball events at the London Olympics next summer, yet the women's GB squad has so far failed to secure major sponsorship.

The players believe they may have been hampered by a "Baywatch with b***s" image. The lack of sponsorship means that despite their popularity, the team must in effect pay to play for their country.

Essex-born Lucy Boulton, 25, who is ranked second in Britain with her partner Denise Johns, 32, said: "The outfits will put some companies off. There is a stigma and it is not taken as seriously as other sports.

Double-edged sword

"But it is a double-edged sword. We have to be realistic and accept that the bikinis also help to get people to the event."

South African-born Shauna Mullin, 27, who forms GB's number one duo with Zara Dampney, 25, said many people were still "stuck" in the mindset that "beach volleyball is about sex, not a sport".

She added: "Companies aren't going to part with their money if they don't think of it as a serious sport. If they see it at a high level, they will hopefully see it is a dynamic and skilful game".

Top players earn about £16,000 (Dh91,200) a year through National Lottery funding, administered by UK Sport and the British Volleyball Federation, which covers budget hotels and flights for international competitions. They have to raise extra cash through sponsorship, prize money and even the bank of mum and dad. Boulton said: "I am not complaining, because I am grateful for the funding we do get. But it would be nice to have a bit more cash so we don't have to worry so much."