August 11, 2024: Team Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson wrap up their Olympic experience today as the Paris 2024 closing ceremonies are held Sunday evening.
The pair made Canadian sport history on Friday with the first medal for women’s beach volleyball, as well as the best-ever performance at an Olympic Games in beach volleyball. The only other medal was a bronze in the men’s beach event in 1996 by John Child and Mark Heese.
“We showed a lot of people what’s possible and we showed a lot of people what just pure heart and grit and the intangibles of sport mean. It doesn’t matter what your numbers are, what your data is, if you’re just going to fight to the very end. I think that’s what will help win your games,” said Humana-Paredes right after final.
“We set out to make history for Canada and we did that,” said Wilkerson. “I hope Canada got to watch some high-level volleyball and enjoy it. I mean, this is what it takes. There’s some great competitors out there in the world, but Canada is right there with everyone. So we should be proud of that and we’ll continue to show that we’ll end up on top next time.”
The team faced to top-seed Ana Patrícia Silva Ramos and Eduarda “Duda” Santos Lisboa in a three-set thriller (26-24, 12-21,15-10) final under the lights at the Eiffel Tower stadium, and their journey to the final was filled with up and downs.
Canada was forced to play in the “lucky loser” round after dropping two matches and coming third in their pool. They quickly re-grouped to win that extra match over Czech Republic and then impressed observers with their grit through the playoffs.
The team defeated USA (Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss) in the quarters, then Switzerland in the semis. The bronze medal went to Tanja Hueberli and Nina Brunner of Switzerland over Australia.
Wilkerson was statistically the best blocker and scorer, while Humana-Paredes was the best digger.
“Brandie and Melissa’s focus, determination and many years of hard work individually and now as a team shone through in Paris,” said Volleyball Canada’s President and CEO Mark Eckert.
“Having witnessed their journey, I would like to congratulate Melissa and Brandie on behalf of Volleyball Canada for making history and showing us what true champions are made of on and off the sand. We are so proud of you and this historic medal for Canada. Thanks also to the excellent support team and staff who helped guide and lift this team along the way.”
Both Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have been on the Olympic stage before – finishing ranked fifth in Tokyo with different partners.
On the men’s side of the Olympic tournament, David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig of Sweden claimed victory in the men’s beach event defeating Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler of Germany 2-0 for gold. Anders Mol and Christian Sorum of Norway won the bronze match over Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan of Qatar.
Beach Volleyball schedule and results.
Team Canada: www.olympic.ca
Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
WhatsApp: 1.613.794.7676
Mobile in Paris: +33743229138