Rio de Janeiro. The very name conjures images of sun-drenched beaches, vibrant energy, and, for a few exhilarating days, the pinnacle of international beach volleyball. The 2025 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 stop in Rio delivered exactly that, culminating in a spectacular display of athleticism and tactical prowess. At the heart of it all, Brazilian icon Carol Solberg once again ascended to the top of the podium, this time with her dynamic partner Rebecca Cavalcanti, reaffirming Brazil`s enduring dominance on the sand.
The Brazilian Reign Continues: A Gold Medal Masterclass
The final match was a testament to the depth of Brazilian talent, an all-national clash featuring Carol & Rebecca against the formidable Thamela Coradello & Victoria Lopes. It was a familiar scene, yet with a fresh twist. Carol, a defending champion from last year`s Rio Elite16 (then with Barbara Seixas), showcased her remarkable consistency by securing her second gold medal in the city`s prestigious tournament. With Rebecca, this victory marked their second gold and third medal together on the Beach Pro Tour, a clear indication that this partnership is hitting its stride.
The gold medal match itself was a nail-biter, a three-set epic that had spectators on the edge of their seats. Thamela & Victoria, ranked number one in the FIVB World Ranking and previous bronze medalists here, started strong, erasing an early five-point deficit to snatch the first set 21-18. It seemed their momentum was unstoppable. However, champions are forged in resilience. Carol & Rebecca, seeded 11th, mounted a powerful comeback in the second set, clawing their way back from a six-point deficit. They drew level at 18-18 before sealing the set 21-18 with a decisive one-handed kill block from Carol.
The tie-breaker was a mirror image of the second set`s drama. Thamela & Victoria again found themselves four points down, demonstrating incredible grit to level the score at 9-9. But the relentless pressure from Carol & Rebecca proved too much. They broke away once more, with Carol delivering the match-winning swing to secure a hard-fought 2-1 (18-21, 21-18, 15-11) victory. Individual performances were stellar: Rebecca and Victoria shared top scorer honors with 25 points each, Rebecca adding three crucial aces. Carol herself contributed a significant 21 points, including five kill blocks and an ace, underlining her all-around impact. Thamela put away 16 points for her team.
Carol & Rebecca celebrating their hard-earned victory at the Rio Elite16.
American Battle for Bronze: Redemption on the Sand
Before the final, the bronze medal match provided its own dose of excitement, an all-American affair between Terese Cannon & Megan Kraft and Molly Shaw & Kelly Cheng. This was a rematch of last week`s Joao Pessoa Elite final, where Shaw & Cheng had emerged victorious. In Rio, however, it was Cannon & Kraft`s turn for redemption. Seeded eighth, they delivered a commanding performance, securing the bronze with a straight-sets victory, 2-0 (21-13, 24-22).
Cannon was particularly impressive, showcasing her defensive prowess with five kill blocks and two aces, tallying a match-high 18 points. Her partner Kraft contributed 17 points, all from powerful swings. Cheng, despite her team`s loss, led her side with 16 points, including three blocks. This victory marked Cannon & Kraft`s seventh medal on the Beach Pro Tour, a consistent presence on the podium that speaks volumes about their capabilities.
The jubilant women`s podium at the 2025 Rio de Janeiro Elite16.
The Path to the Podium: A Glimpse at the Semifinals
The road to these medal matches was paved with intense semifinal clashes earlier in the day. Thamela & Victoria earned their spot in the final by overcoming Shaw & Cheng in a tight three-set battle, 2-1 (21-14, 20-22, 15-13). Thamela was a standout in that match with a massive 23 points, including four blocks and an ace, supported by Victoria`s 22 points and an ace.
In the second semifinal, Carol & Rebecca faced off against Cannon & Kraft. While the scores suggest a straight-sets win, 2-0 (21-15, 25-23), the second set was a true marathon, pushed deep into overtime. Carol once again demonstrated her defensive and offensive strength with four kill blocks and an ace, contributing 18 points. Rebecca added 17 points with two aces. Cannon, for her part, was the top scorer of that game with 19 points, proving the Americans pushed the eventual champions to their limits.
Conclusion: Rio`s Enduring Legacy
The Rio de Janeiro Elite16 event once again highlighted the vibrant and fiercely competitive nature of beach volleyball. From Carol Solberg`s consistent excellence, adapting and winning with a new partner, to the gripping all-Brazilian final and the hard-fought American bronze, the tournament was a masterclass in skill, strategy, and sheer will. It served as a powerful reminder that while the partnerships might shift, the pursuit of gold on the sun-kissed sands of Rio remains an unwavering ambition for the sport`s elite. And for those who witnessed it, it was another unforgettable chapter in the ongoing saga of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour.
