Laura Ludwig-Bowes is a German professional beach volleyball player, playing as a defender. Previously forming a pair with compatriot Kira Walkenhorst, she represents Hamburger SV and has won four European championships. She won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She added another medal, Gold, at the 2016 World Tour Finals in Toronto. In 2017, she and Walkenhorst won the World Championship in Vienna.
Ludwig in May 2008
Gold Medal Rio Olympics 2016
Beach volleyball is a team sport played by two teams of two players each on a sand court divided by a net. Similar to indoor volleyball, the objective of the game is to send the ball over the net and to ground it on the opponent's side of the court. Each team also works in unison to prevent the opposing team from grounding the ball on their side of the court.
The blocker (left) attempts to stop the opposing team's attack over the net.
Beach volleyball players at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Hawaii, ca. 1915
Public beach volleyball courts in Santa Monica, where the modern two-man version originated.
A beach volleyball game between members of President Harry S. Truman's vacation party at Key West, Florida in 1950