MELISSA HUMANA-PAREDES’ EMOTIONAL REUNIONS WITH HER CHILEAN FAMILY IN SANTIAGO 2023

The Canadian beach volleyball duo of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson earned their second consecutive victory at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, defeating Dominican representatives Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanzar.

The Canadian beach volleyball team, Melissa Humana-Paredes, is one hundred percent enjoying her presence at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, since the athlete’s mother is Chilean and this is the first time her family has been able to watch it play live. The reunion takes place after seven years and the presence of his mother, uncles and cousins ​​​​did not go unnoticed in the galleries of Court 2 of Parque Peñalolén.

“I feel very excited, I can’t describe it. It’s very exciting because it’s the first time my Chilean family can see me here in Chile and it’s magical for me. Besides, the last time I saw my family here was many years ago and seeing them again is something inexplicable. We have confidence in the work that my partner and I do on the pitch, but we always only think about the rival team and the match points. The ranking gives us confidence, but every time we play we learn more important lessons for our team, so in any venue, tournament and country there is something to learn,” commented Melissa Humana-Paredes .

“I thought it was very funny. I had a good time. I’m very happy to play with Melissa and we both play very well. Winning is always a good feeling. There are a lot of games left and every time we step on the sand we just want to keep playing better and better,” Brandie Wilkerson said.

Despite mixed feelings, upon entering the field, he focused with his partner Brandie Wilkerson to achieve victory and thus advance game by game towards his first goal, winning group D and obtaining the gold medal. Their extensive experience at the World Championships, Pan American Games and Olympic Games positions them as one of the leading candidates to win a gold medal.

SECOND VICTORY FOR THE CANADIAN DUPE

The Canadian duo won their second consecutive victory. Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson defeated Dominican representatives Julibeth Payano and Bethania Almanzar in Group D by 2-0 (21-11,21-11) on Court 2 of the Peñalolén Beach Volleyball Center.

At 10:30 a.m. the second day of discipline began as part of the development of the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games and, as the minutes passed, the public arrived on court 2 to watch the first women’s beach volleyball match of the day among the selections mentioned above. The enthusiasm and support of the public is felt in the stands and in the athletes themselves, who share with the spectators throughout the progress of the match.

“The Pan American Games here were incredible. Here in Chile everyone has been very friendly and it seems like they really care about beach volleyball, this sport and all the athletes. “I’m sure as the week goes on there will be more and more energy,” Brandie Wilkerson added.

The fifth in the world will have to face the Paraguayan duo Erika Mongelos and Michelle Valiente, tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., on court 2 of the Beach Volleyball Center and will look to continue on the path of success at the Pan American Games of Santiago 2023. A victory against the Paraguayan team the place at the top of group D and positions it in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Written by Sebastián León