Context:

Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson secured a key Olympic berth by winning the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball qualifier, advancing their pursuit of LA 2028 gold after earning Canada’s first women’s Olympic medal in beach volleyball in 2024. The victory over Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft in straight sets capped a challenging event and gives the pair momentum heading into the off-season and next season. While Canada’s men missed an Olympic spot after a semifinal loss for Sam Schachter and Jonny Pickett, the United States clinched the men’s berth by defeating Mexico. Qualification for Paris 2028 will continue through the FIVB ranking, the 2027 World Championships, and a 2028 qualifier series, with 24 teams per gender advancing to LA. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to maintaining form and securing further qualification—potentially shaping Canada’s beach volleyball landscape for the next Olympic cycle.

Dive Deeper:

• Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson defeated Americans Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft 21-16, 27-25 in the championship final at the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Olympic qualifier in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.

• The victory marks a significant milestone in their Olympic bid, following their status as 2024 Olympic silver medalists and previous participation at Tokyo 2020 with different partners.

• Earlier in the event, Sam Schachter and Jonny Pickett were eliminated from Olympic contention after losing the men’s semifinal to Trevor Crabb and Chase Budinger, 21-19, 21-18, with Canada then taking third place on the men’s side.

• Canada’s men’s team did secure a bronze in the third-place match against Puerto Rico (21-9, 21-15), but fell short of the Olympic berth on that side of the bracket as the U.S. claimed the men’s spot by defeating Mexico in the final.

• Overall, 24 teams from each gender will qualify for LA 2028, with additional pathways remaining through the FIVB Olympic Ranking, the 2027 World Championships, and a 2028 Olympic Qualifier Series.

• Humana-Paredes emphasized the accomplishment and the value of securing Olympic qualification mid-season, noting the hard-fought nature of the tournament and the momentum it provides for preparing the next season.