Montréal has once again proven to be a hallowed ground for Canadian beach volleyball stars Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes. Two years after their last triumph in the city, the Olympic medalists have emphatically reclaimed their top spot on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour, delivering a masterclass performance at the Elite16 event held at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
A Triumphant Homecoming
The atmosphere in Montréal was electric, fueled by the 3,500 ardent home fans who witnessed Brandie and Melissa`s spectacular, undefeated run. Their victory on Sunday wasn`t just another win; it was a powerful statement of their enduring prowess and a sweet return to form after a period marked by consistent, though not always gold-winning, performances. Indeed, their previous Beach Pro Tour victory as a duo dated back to the very same city in 2023 – a curious, perhaps even superstitious, coincidence that underscores Montréal`s role as their personal fortress.
Melissa Humana-Paredes offered insight into their strategy, noting, “Our team is putting a lot of work into the first half of this season. A lot of that is on defense, as it’s one of our strengths, but we have been working on all areas of our game. There’s a lot of freedom in our defensive game. And the fans helped us so much.” This focus on foundational strengths, coupled with the undeniable energy from the crowd, clearly created a formidable combination.
The Gold Medal Showdown
The final match saw the Canadians face off against a strong German duo, Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann. The Germans, formidable opponents, pushed the match to its limits, particularly in the second set. However, Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes, showcasing their trademark resilience and strategic depth, secured a straight-set victory (21-15, 22-20).
The first set was a display of dominant control from the Canadians. The second, however, revealed their fighting spirit, as they mounted a powerful comeback to seal the deal, much to the delight of the roaring crowd. It was a testament to their unwavering focus and belief, especially when playing on home soil.
“To be able to come on the court and feel so much love and support, it’s really every athlete’s dream,” Brandie Wilkerson reflected on the home advantage. “It was such a special and incredible week. We did it!”
The Bronze Revival: Olympic Champions Make a Statement
The Montréal event wasn`t just about the gold. The bronze medal match also delivered a compelling narrative of perseverance and triumph. Olympic champions Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa and Ana Patrícia Ramos of Brazil marked their return to the Beach Pro Tour after a four-month hiatus. Ana Patrícia had been sidelined by a significant injury, making their podium finish all the more remarkable.
Their bronze medal victory against Latvian Olympians Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova was a dominant performance, ending in straight sets (21-14, 21-16). This successful return echoes their last pre-injury performance in Brasília, where they also claimed bronze, signaling their consistent threat on the tour despite setbacks.
“I’m very happy that we’re back on Tour,” Ana Patrícia shared, visibly pleased. “I sustained a significant injury three months and we were finally able to return now. It was great to do it here in Canada as the fans created an incredible atmosphere.”
Looking Ahead to Hamburg
With the dust settled in Montréal, the Beach Pro Tour calendar continues its relentless pace. The next Elite event is set to take place in Hamburg, Germany, from August 27-31. Teams will now shift their focus, analyze their Montréal performances, and prepare for another intense round of competition on the sand. The stakes remain high as the season progresses, with every serve, block, and dig contributing to the larger narrative of the 2025 Beach Pro Tour.
Montréal`s Elite16 tournament served as a vibrant showcase of elite beach volleyball, reinforcing the competitive spirit and unyielding dedication of these world-class athletes. From triumphant returns to hard-fought medals, the event delivered on all fronts, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
