London 2012 - Russia produced an incredible comeback to overturn a two-set deficit and prevent Brazil leaving London with a Volleyball gold medal double. In the women's competition the Rio 2016 Host Nation swept aside all rivals and went on to beat the United States in the final.

Beach volleyball has come a long way since its formative years on the American beaches. Here, we chart the rise of the popular spectator sport.

Highlights from Day 1's Men's Beach Volleyball at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. 

Competing in Pool A is the two man partnership's representing Uruguay and Oman and in Pool B Brazil and Jamaica looking to progress to the next stage. Matches: - Cairus/Vieyto (URU) vs Samiev/Ahid (OMA) - George/Arthur (BRA) vs Hutchinson/Bryan (Jam)

Highlights from Day 1's Women's Beach Volleyball event. This session seeing home favorites China compete as well as one of the most technical and longest matches so far in the competitions. Matches: - China vs Indonesia - Russia vs Argentina

Highlights from Day 1's Men's Beach Volleyball at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. 

An exciting Pool D match between Argentina and Canada see's the South American country come out winners by 2 sets to 1.

Highlights from Day 1's Beach Women's Volleyball action at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. 

A fierce France duo won comfortably in straight sets against Guatemala in their opening Pool D match.

Highlights from Day 1's Women's Beach Volleyball at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. 

Strong favourites Brazil faced off against USA in their opening Pool B match.

Highlights from Day 5's Men's Beach Volleyball at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. Competing in Pool F is the two man partnership's representing Indonesia and Poland.Matches:- Ashfiya/Licardo (INA) vs Kmiecik/Macura (POL)

Highlights from Day 6's Men's Beach Volleyball Pool D at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. Teams: Kovalov/Oleh (URK) vs Macneil/Richards (CAN)

Highlights from Day 6's Women's Beach Volleyball at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. Matches: - Wang/Yuan (CHN) vs Arnholdt/Schneider (GER)- McNamara/McNamara (CAN) vs Lantignotti/Enzo (ITA)