[luvbach1]

...how does anyone keep a straight face on the medal stand after winning a medal in beach volleyball?

Easily. Beach volleyball, at the level at which US athletes (and their closest competitors) played, requires great skill and athleticism.

[Alberta's Child]

I don’t question the athleticism of the event or the competitors. I’m just wondering how that kind of “sport” ever made it into the Summer Olympics in the first place — and how many countries even send teams to compete in that event.