In the face of terrorist threats and security concerns an Olympic medal holds different value for team mates on the U.S. men's volleyball team.

For Tom Hoff, who is competing in his first Olympics, the rewards far outweigh the risks.

For Lloy Ball, who will be taking part in his third Summer Games, it's not worth risking his life and putting is family in harms way.

"I'm not taking my wife and son," Ball said at the United States Olympic Committee's media summit on Saturday.

"This (the Olympics) is something I'm doing for me and my team that I need to do it with them at home where I know there safe and sound.

"If I felt the conditions were bad, which they aren't right now, but if they escalated, I would think of not going because they are my top priority.

"I don't feel I would be doing my job as a father and husband if there's any kind of chance.

"My priorities have just changed, putting them first.

"If there are a lot of threats being made then I'll have to sit down with my wife and really talk about not going, but as of now that's way in the future."

By contrast, Hoff, who plays professionally in Greece, has no qualms about having his family join him in Athens.

For him and his family, the terrorist threat is not enough to prevent them from sharing a once in a lifetime Olympic experience.

"Concern for me? No," Hoff said. "I'm going to have my parents, my wife, they're going to be living in an apartment in the city making their way to the venue every day.

"If there's any concern, it's just for their safety. They're not around the athletes' village so they will be a little more exposed.

"But I wouldn't send them into any place of danger.

"Do I think it's out of the question (an attack)? No.

"But I think the risks and the rewards, the rewards far outweigh it.

"To be there and have an Olympic experience, to have my wife and parents there and let them have the experience with you.

"I believe I will not fear for my safety when I'm in Athens.

"That could be different for Lloy, but for me I am going to be focused on what I need to do as a volleyball player."

BEST BEHAVIOUR

The contrasting views illustrate the dilemma facing all of the 550 American athletes who will compete in Athens.

Nearly every one of the 100 athletes taking part in this four-day summit will or have been asked about security producing nearly 100 different opinions.

But almost all agree: Americans will have to be on their best behaviour in Greece to avoid further stoking anti-U.S. sentiments.

"We tend to rub everyone the wrong way no matter how hard we try not to," Ball said. "No matter whether it's the Ryder Cup or carrying the flag around like the track athletes at the last Olympics it's the way we are.

"We are confident people.

"But I would recommend to younger athletes to take it easy a little bit, as long as it doesn't affect their play.

"I'm going to go, play hard, compete and hopefully win a medal."