At the end of the Parisian night, illuminated by the Eiffel Tower, no one shone brighter on the beach volleyball court than Duda and Ana Patrícia. The Brazilians defeated the Canadians Melissa and Brandie by 2 sets 1 (26-24, 12-21, 15-10) and won Olympic gold. After winning the sport’s debut in Atlanta in 1996, Brazil’s women went six editions without reaching the top step of the podium, a drought that ends with their victory in 2024.
Duda and Ana Patrícia now add the Olympic title to the world title won in 2022. The partnership, runner-up in the world last year, confirms the status of the strongest team on the planet.
The final in Paris was tense. In the first setthe Canadian duo formed by Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson started off sharply, opening up a 6-point lead at one point (11 to 5). After a comeback, the Brazilians took the lead and the pairs alternated in the lead, until Brazil closed at 26 to 24.
In the second set, Duda and Ana Patrícia were doing well until about halfway through the match, leading without much of an advantage. However, the Canadians scored a sequence of unanswered points and ended up closing the match. set no major problems in 21 to 12.
Ana Patrícia and Brandie argue during the gold medal match – Reuters/Esa Alexander/Reproduction prohibited
Node tie breakthe Brazilians were always ahead and managed to maintain a comfortable distance. As the decision approached, tempers and complaints with the judges became more heated. In one play, the tension generated a comical moment: Ana Patrícia and Brandie argued separately by the net. The arena DJ then played Imagineby John Lennon, a song received with laughter by the players.
In the final stretch, the Brazilians managed their advantage until they closed at 15 to 10 and confirmed the long-awaited gold.
IT’S GOLDEN FOR BRAZIIIIIIL!!! 🥇🇧🇷🥇
The reign of beach volleyball has returned to its home. 👑✅🏐 Ana Patrícia and Duda Lisboa made history on the sands of Paris and won the gold medal for the #TimeBrazil! 🔥
WHAT AN AMAZING MOMENT!
IT’S THE BRASA!!!!!! 💚💛💚💛… pic.twitter.com/hjH3s3zDFB— Time Brazil (@timebrasil) August 9, 2024
They equaled Jacqueline and Sandra, Olympic champions 28 years ago, in a Brazilian final against Adriana Samuel and Mônica. Since that edition, Brazilian women have stopped three times in the Olympic final, in Sydney (2000), Athens (2004) and in Rio (2016).
