UK's big question: Will weather permit bikinis during beach volleyball?

For a country that does not get to see much of the sun, having a beach volleyball event in London during the Olympics may bring an artificial sense of warmth here. If meteorologists are to be believed, the weather though can keep the players from taking out their bikinis at the Horse Guard Parade - venue for the sport.

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A question of will they-won't they is doing the rounds in the British press with a reporter from a national tabloid even failing to resist the temptation of asking the players themselves if they will brave the weather and get into their bikinis. Britain's Zara Dampney though probably saw the question coming and said that she hoped for clear skies for an enjoyable weather and atmosphere for the spectators.

She was even asked, according to a report in The Guardian, if she can promise that she will not cover up, whatever the conditions may be. ""Well I think obviously if it's cold we're going to have to cover up, but if the sun comes out, then we'll be able to be in our bikinis," said the laughing 26-year-old from Dorset.

While beach volleyball may have a lot more to it as a sport than bikinis, fans are expected to throng to the venue for 'finer reasons' as well. If weather gods permit, they may still get their money's worth, whatever the result in the playing field.