Misty May-Treanor, beach volleyballers fear you not, London rain (VIDEO)

LONDON — The host city of the 2012 Summer Olympics isn't exactly synonymous with a tropical climate.

"My luggage was extremely heavy. I packed for cold weather," said U.S. beach volleyball star Misty May-Treanor, playing in her last Olympics, "and it's completely the opposite."

It's frankly been bikini weather in London during the run-up to the Opening Ceremony on Friday: warm and humid, to the point where the beach volleyball teams could practice at 11 in the evening in their revealing gear.

But that might not always be the case at Horse Guards Parade, where beach volleyball begins on Saturday. The competitors are ready for rain and cold during the Games.

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"Our last two tournaments we played in, we played in the rain all the time," said April Ross of the U.S.

It does affect play. "Playing in the rain is a change in strategy for us. A lot on our serves. I jump serve and have to look up at the ball when I hit it, so the rain is hitting me in the face," said Ross.

"You can't depend as much on our athleticism. It's back to basics — you have to depend on your smarts, put the ball where they're not. It's difficult to play in the rain."

May-Treanor said the players can swap our their beach gear for something to combat the cold if necessary. "We're allowed to wear different great when it's cold. It keeps us pretty warm," she said.

"But if it stays like this," said Ross, "we'll be in our bikinis at night. We warm up really fast. If you're in the stands, you might be cold."

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