At the end of the Parisian night, illuminated by the Eiffel Tower, no one shone as brightly on the beach volleyball court as Duda and Ana Patrícia. The Brazilians beat Canadians Melissa and Brandie by 2 sets to 1 (26-24, 12-21, 15-10) and won Olympic gold. After winning the sport’s debut in Atlanta in 1996, the Brazilians went six editions without reaching the top step of the podium, a quick journey that ended with their victory in 2024.

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Duda and Ana Patrícia now add the Olympic title to the world title won in 2022. The duo, vice-world champion last year, confirms its status as the strongest team on the planet.

The final in Paris was tense. In the first set, the Canadian duo of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson started strong, opening a lead of 6 points to one point (11 to 5). After a reaction, the Brazilians took the lead and the pairs alternated in the lead, until Brazil finished 26-24.

In the second period, Duda and Ana Patrícia played well until about halfway through the race, leading without much advantage. However, the Canadians scored a series of unanswered points and ended up closing the set without major problems at 21-12.

Paris 2024 Olympics – Beach Volleyball – Women’s Gold Medal Match – Brazil v Canada (Ana Patricia/Duda vs Melissa/Brandie) – Stade de la Tour Eiffel, Paris, France – August 9, 2024. Brandie Wilkerson of Canada and Ana Patricia Silva Ramos of Brazil talk during the match. REUTERS/Esa Alexandre
Ana Patricia and Brandie argue during gold dispute – Reuters/Esa Alexander/Reproduction prohibited

In the tie-break, the Brazilians were still ahead and managed to maintain a comfortable distance. As the decision approached, tensions and complaints with the judges intensified. Suddenly, the tension generated a comical moment: Ana Patrícia and Brandie argued separately on the network. The arena DJ then played Imagine, by John Lennon, a song greeted with laughter by the players.

In the final stretch, the Brazilians took the lead until closing at 15 to 10 and confirming the long-awaited gold.

They faced Jacqueline and Sandra, Olympic champions 28 years ago, in a Brazilian decision against Adriana Samuel and Mônica. Since that edition, the Brazilians have reached the Olympic final three times, in Sydney (2000), Athens (2004) and Rio (2016).

By Igor Santos – EBC Reporter – Rio de Janeiro

Editing: Juliana Andrade