History on the beach. Brazil’s Ana Patricia and Duda win Olympic gold over Canada’s Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes in a chippy, three-set title match.
It didn’t come easy for anyone. After Brazil took the opening set in extra points, 26-24, Canada bounced back and rolled through set two for a 21-12 win. For the first time, an Olympic beach volleyball title match would go three sets. Brazil’s foot was on the gas though, looking like the 2022 World Champions they are.
A heated match it was in the final minutes, as an argument between Wilkerson and Ana Patricia resulted in yellow cards issues to both.
But just a few rallies later and Brazil officially won the set 15-10. Ana Patricia and Dude gave their country its first gold medal since beach volleyball’s Olympic debut in 1996.
While a disappointing loss for Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes, they still had a legendary showing for Canada, making it to the title match for the first time in their country’s history. They had to dig deep to do it, going 1-2 in group play and needing to win a Lucky Loser match to stay in the tournament.
But they made it, becoming the first pair in Canada women’s beach volleyball to earn silver.
Now, for the four-year wait until the Olympic sport goes home to Los Angeles.
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