Kinesio tape is seen on Germany’s Katrin Holtwick during the women’s beach volleyball preliminary match against the Czech Republic on July 28, 2012. This was no fashion statement from the 28-year-old but rather a way of relieving tired muscles’ pain. And while it didn’t ultimately help her country’s medal chances, the German men did win gold in their event, with Jonas Reckermann seen sporting the tape.
Olympic Injuries in Action: When Athletes Play Through Pain
From American Manteo Mitchell running with a broken leg to Germany's Matthias Steiner being felled by a falling weight, TIME looks at the Olympic competitors' most memorable injuries and mishaps.