Olympic Volleyball 2012: 3 Reasons This Is the Games' Most Underrated Event

When you're gearing up to watch Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Lolo Jones and the rest of the ultra-hyped athletes in the ultra-hyped Olympic sports, don't forget about the sometimes-forgotten sport of volleyball. 

The action-packed game rarely has a dull moment and features some of the best pure athletes on the planet. They are tall, agile and powerful with crazy hand-eye coordination and leaping ability.

It doesn't receive near the publicity of swimming, track and field or basketball, but there are a few reasons why volleyball is arguably the most underrated event at the Olympics. 

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings

The two American beach volleyball partners are on the verge of breaking the record at this year's Olympiad. They'd be the first team to win three consecutive gold medals if they emerge victorious in London this year. 

They've epitomized dominance but will likely have a tougher road in London, with improved competition and age starting to factor in. 

If nothing else, tune into May-Treanor and Walsh-Jennings' matches. They embody team chemistry and have an unparalleled cerebral connection in the sand that has allowed them to become two of the most celebrated American Olympians of all time. 

Indoor's Level Playing Field

Some Olympic events are dominated by one player or team (see: men's and women's basketball). However, that's far from the case in indoor volleyball, especially on the men's side.

The American men won their third gold medal in 2008, defeating 2004 winner Brazil in the final. Yugoslavia, the Netherlands, Poland, Japan and Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) have won gold since the event's inception at the Olympics in 1964. 

The U.S. women have slowly ascended the international volleyball ranks, from a seventh-place finish at the 1996 Games in Atlanta to a silver medal in 2008 in Beijing. 

Cuba won three-straight golds from 1992 to 2000, but China won in Athens and Brazil captured gold in 2008. 

If you're looking to witness a high level of competition, where seemingly any country can make a run to gold, this is the sport for you. 

Athleticism

As alluded to in the introduction, volleyball calls for big, limber athletes with insane verticals to quickly react to a ball being spiked at them at ridiculous speeds over and over again. The team concept is apparent, and a great deal of strategy is employed in each game.

There aren't many breaks or stoppages in action, so it's difficult to get bored while watching a match.

If rare athleticism is what you're looking for, look no further than an Olympic volleyball court.

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