London 2012: men's and women's beach volleyball - in pictures

Katrin Holtwick signals to her team-mate Ilka Semmler in a match against their German compatriots Sara Goller and Laura Ludwig Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

A general view of the beach volleyball venue at Horse Guards Parade Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

The cheerleaders make their way through an enthusiastic crowd Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

The camera focuses in on Ludwig Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianGraeme Robertson for the Guardian

The officials award a point Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Semmler and Holtwick prepare to receive a serve as Goller in red signals to her team-mate Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

A Team USA fan makes his way to the court Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Ilka Semmler of Germany attempts a spike Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Goller and Ludwig celebrate victory over their German compatriots Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Both German teams embrace at the end of the match Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

The cheerleaders greet Swiss player Sascha Heyer Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Mariusz Prudel of Poland attampts a spike while Heyer of Switzerland takes evasive action Photograph: Graeme Robertson/Graeme Robertson

Horse Guards Parade is used to the more sedate Trooping the Colour but has been brought to life by the vibrancy of the beach volleyball event Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

The Swiss beach volleyball team had a decent record at the 2011 world championships, despite hailing from a land-locked country Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

An Olympic volunteer gets sand kicked in her face. That's hardly fair is it? Photograph: Graeme Robertson/Graeme Robertson

The Swiss player gets a handshake at the end of the match in which they lost to the Polish duo Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian