The Paris 2024 Olympics brought fierce competition, but it wasn’t just about skills on the sand. Some of the most stunning athletes from around the world took the court. From powerful spikes to effortless grace, these beach volleyball stars captivated fans with their beauty and talent.
Here’s our list of the 10 most beautiful players who made a splash in Paris.
10. Akiko Hasegawa
Country: Japan
Born: 30 NOV. 1985
Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Akiko Hasegawa is known for her finesse and solid dedication on the beach volleyball court. A vital player for the NEC Red Rockets since 2008, she has competed internationally for Japan in various events. During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Akiko and her partner, Miki Ishii, finished in a commendable 9th place.
9. Sara Hughes
Country: United States
Born: 14 FEB. 1995
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Sara Hughes has made significant strides in her beach volleyball career, notably partnering with Kelly Cheng. Together, they reached a career-high world ranking of No. 2 in August 2023. Their remarkable journey began at the University of Southern California, where they led the USC Trojans to consecutive NCAA Championships. At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the duo aimed to build on their collegiate success and make a meaningful impact on the global stage.
8. Louisa Lippmann
Country: Germany
Born: 23 SEP. 1994
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Louisa Lippmann is recognized for her impressive stature and energetic personality. As an outside hitter, she has played a crucial role in the success of the German national team, demonstrating her remarkable skills throughout her career. At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Louisa teamed up with former gold medalist Laura Ludwig.
7. Tīna Graudiņa
Country: Latvia
Born: 9 MAR. 1998
Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 0 in)
Tīna Laura Graudiņa represented Latvia in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, making history with her partner, Anastasija Kravčenoka, as the first Latvian women’s team to qualify for the Games. The duo finished fourth in Tokyo 2020, where Graudiņa was named the best all-around scorer, and followed up with a fifth-place ranking at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Beyond her Olympic achievements, Graudiņa has won gold at the 2019 and 2022 European Championships and had a standout collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC), where she became a two-time NCAA champion and was named the 2019 National Player of the Year.
6. Marie-Sára Štochlová
Country: Czech Republic
Born: 11 MAR. 1999
Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Marie-Sára Štochlová has become a prominent figure in beach volleyball, having played with partners like Martina Maixnerová and Miroslava Dunarová from 2015 to 2020, and later teaming up with Martina Williams in 2021. Since August 2021, she’s formed a powerful duo with Barbora Hermannová, and together they represented the Czech Republic at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing in a shared 17th place. Standing 1.82 meters (6 feet) tall, Marie-Sára combines skill and a commanding presence that make her a standout on the international court.
5. Sophie Bukovec
Country: Canada
Born: 22 SEP. 1995
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft)
Sophie Bukovec represented Canada at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She has a rich history in beach volleyball, having won a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships with her partner Brandie Wilkerson. After previously teaming up with Sarah Pavan, Sophie formed a powerful duo with Heather Bansley.
4. Nina Brunner (Betschart)
Country: Switzerland
Born: 14 OCT. 1995
Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Nina Betschart competed alongside Tanja Hüberli at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where they secured a bronze medal. Her impressive career includes multiple FIVB World Tour medals and two U21 World Championships, establishing her as one of the top competitors in beach volleyball.
3. Mariafe Artacho del Solar
Country: Australia
Born: 24 OCT. 1993
Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Mariafe Artacho del Solar is a remarkable Australian beach volleyball player, celebrated for both her athletic prowess and stunning looks. She has proudly represented Australia in international competitions, including the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mariafe and her partner reached the semifinals, finishing an impressive fourth.
2. Brandie Wilkerson
Country: Canada
Born: 1 JUL. 1992
Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Brandie Wilkerson shines as a Canadian beach volleyball player, recognized for her dynamic playing style and stunning presence on the court. Competing with partner Melissa Humana-Paredes, she won a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Brandie reached a career-high world ranking of No. 1 in November 2018 and was named FIVB Best Blocker that same year, making her a force to be reckoned with in beach volleyball.
1. Valentina Gottardi
Country: Italy
Born: 19 NOV. 2002
Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
She stands out not just for her beauty, but for her undeniable skill and athleticism. Valentina Gottardi claims the #1 spot on our list of Top 10 Most Beautiful Beach Volleyball Players in the Olympics! At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Valentina, alongside her incredible partner Marta Menegatti, showed what true teamwork looks like, battling their way to an impressive 9th-place finish.
For breathtaking shots of Valentina Gottardi, explore our gallery Top 20 Pictures of Beautiful Valentina Gottardi You Can’t Miss. For an in-depth look at Valentina, check out our post Valentina Gottardi is the Most Beautiful Star in Beach Volleyball.
