BEIJING - When beach volleyball joined the Olympics in 1996, critics complained it had been included simply to boost viewing figures with bronzed beach babes in bikinis.

Beach volleyball cheer leaders practice at Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground August 2, 2008. [Xinhua]

While sex appeal certainly sells the sport, players say they draw energy from the attention they get, rather than see themselves as objects of unwanted desire.

"I feel I'm empowered. I'm a sportswoman, I'm getting stronger all the time and this is my uniform," said U.S. player Kerri Walsh, sweeping her hand across a black and white bikini.

"I don't feel exploited at all. Hopefully we're just encouraging people to be fit and healthy. Our lifestyle is so wonderful," she added.

Under the Olympic beach volleyball rules, bikini bottoms should be 7 cm (2.76 inches) across the hip -- neither indecently skimpy nor overly constricting.

The "Brazilian brief" size also gives a sense of the style and glamour found on Copacabana and other beaches known both for their sex and sports appeal.

Women have the option of playing in a one-piece bathing suit but most opt not to because they are very uncomfortable when sand gets in. Men must wear shorts at least 10 cm above the knee and a tank top.

"I don't really care about the image. You just get out and play and feed off the support," said Brazil's Renata Ribeiro.

"If the sex symbol part of things helps bring that support then fine."