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Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson Strike Olympic Silver at Paris 2024

By Ontario Volleyball Association, 08/09/24, 5:45PM EDT

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The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) is overjoyed to celebrate the achievement of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, who have won the silver medal in Women’s Beach Volleyball at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This historic victory is not only a crowning moment for Canadian beach volleyball but also a proud milestone for Ontario, where both athletes honed their skills and passion for the sport.

Melissa and Brandie’s journey to Olympic silver is a shining example of what Ontario athletes can achieve with dedication, talent, and teamwork. Their success is a powerful inspiration for women and girls across the province who aspire to excel in sports.

According to Victoria Altomare former National Team Athlete and chair of the OVA Athlete council, "What we often forget is the years of commitment and dedication that our athletes have given to the sport leading up to their Olympic debut. Both Melissa and Brandie have spent thousands of hours each week down at Ashbridges Bay or indoor beach facilities practicing and spent weekends competing in Ontario Volleyball events . While they now are located in California and have training camps all over the world, it is inspiring to reflect on their roots here in Ontario.”

She further stated that, “Our regional and provincial programs continue to grow in beach volleyball and it is so important that our athletes take advantage of these and see them as potential stepping stones to national and international competition.”

The OVA extends our heartfelt thanks to the families of Melissa and Brandie, whose support has been the foundation of their incredible journey. Your encouragement and belief in your daughters have been vital to their success. We also applaud their coaching staff, whose expert guidance has been crucial in helping them reach this extraordinary milestone.

A special shout-out goes to the sponsors who have championed Melissa and Brandie throughout their careers, providing the resources and opportunities that have been key to their success. Your support reflects the strong community spirit that drives the growth of volleyball in Ontario.

We are deeply grateful to Volleyball Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee, whose dedication to the sport has been instrumental in paving the way for this victory. But most of all, we are proud of the role that Ontario has played in nurturing these exceptional athletes, from schools, local clubs, provincial teams, and at the university level showing the world the strength of our volleyball community.

As we celebrate Melissa and Brandie’s remarkable achievement, we’re excited about the future of beach volleyball in Ontario. Their success, as well as, the success of all the beach volleyball national teams, has ignited a wave of interest and participation across the province over the last few years, particularly among young women and girls, who now see that the path to Olympic finals can start right here at home, in Ontario.

Congratulations, Melissa and Brandie! Your Olympic silver is a testament to the talent and determination that thrives in Ontario, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact of your success on the volleyball community across our province.