TEAM: Forget the Olympic competition, the real contest is happening in the Athletes' Village and it’s called the ‘Beard Off’.  

Shooting’s Daniel Repacholi and Water Polo’s Rhys Howden have kicked off the challenge as to who wears the beard better.  

Howden sporting a well-groomed, close cut beard versus Repacholi long and wild look weren’t opposed to asking Rio Olympic volunteers who they thought wore it better. 

Repacholi is one up – apparently making him the King of Beards. 

“I was trying to bring some style back to the shooting team,” said Repacholi.   

“Well the real reason was I grew it when I had my first daughter and to annoy my wife, which it worked! This particular one has been going as long as eight months but I do trim it a lot. 

Howden’s motivation for the beard is more of the practical nature. 

“Mine is really a tour beard, I just don’t shave when I’m on tour. I also knew there was going to be a bit of competition in the Village so I just wanted to see who wears it better,” he said. 

Both had differing opinions on what makes for a good beard. 

Four time Olympian Repacholi: the hairier the better and the grey hairs make it distinguished. 

Captain Howden: bit of length and body. 

The challenge is now on for the others in the Village – who can wear the beard better? #beardoff 

Lauren Ryan
olympics.com.au