Larissa Franca (right) of Brazil hits at the net against American rival Kerri Walsh Jennings during a gold medal match at the end of May in Moscow.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 4, 2016 - Jim Caple, an ESPN Senior Writer, said "there will be more than 11,000 athletes from more than 200 countries and territories competing in the Olympics that begin Friday. That means endless great stories and Olympians to follow, but here are our 10 top athletes and events to watch."
One of the “10 top athletes and events to watch” was beach volleyball as Caple wrote "many Olympic sports can get serious, but beach volleyball is always fun, and it is extremely popular in Brazil. After winning gold with Misty May-Treanor at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics, Kerri Walsh Jennings will go for her fourth with new Olympic partner April Ross. They will face stiff competition from Brazilians Larissa Franca and Talita Antunes. Regardless of who wins, with the music blaring, dancers twisting and fans going wild on Copacabana Beach, this will be one of the most entertaining and fun events of these Games."
Walsh Jennings Gold Within (2016, USA) - Gabe Spitzer Sports Documentary
An inside look at the journey of three-time Beach Volleyball Olympic gold medalist (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012) Kerri Walsh Jennings to overcome injury, balance motherhood and keep training to get to the Rio 2016 Olympics Opening Ceremony.