Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on home turf, but when she does, Montréal has proven to be a favorable location for her success. This week, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson are back at Parc Jean-Drapeau for the Montréal Elite16 event from August 19-23, aiming to build on their victory from last year.
In the 2025 edition, the Canadian duo clinched the title by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, with a score of 21-15, 22-20, marking their first championship together. Humana-Paredes emphasized the significance of competing in front of a home crowd, expressing her appreciation for the enthusiastic support from Montréal sports fans.
The athlete also highlighted the growing backing for women’s sports across Canada, noting the increasing attendance and enthusiasm across various sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball. She expressed pride in being a female athlete and witnessing the continuous support from fans, hoping that this momentum will endure beyond her career.
Looking ahead, while focusing on the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, Humana-Paredes acknowledged the importance of taking one step at a time and not getting too far ahead. Despite the anticipation for future events, the pair is concentrating on the immediate volleyball competitions leading up to the Olympics, breaking down the Olympic cycle into manageable segments.
To prepare for the upcoming challenges, the duo has reunited with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles, creating a familiar environment to progress towards their next Olympic endeavor. Their recent performance has been commendable, with a silver medal at the Saquarema Elite and a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, marking their eighth podium finish and fourth gold medal on the Beach Pro Tour.
As they continue their journey, Humana-Paredes emphasized that every experience and medal contributes to their growth and development in the sport. With a focus on refining their skills and building a strong foundation in 2026, the duo is gearing up for the ultimate goal of the LA 2028 Olympics with determination and dedication.
The prospect of competing in Los Angeles holds sentimental value for Humana-Paredes, who considers the city a second home due to her extensive training there throughout her professional career. She anticipates a memorable experience at the Olympics, especially with beach volleyball expected to be a marquee event in Long Beach, aligning with Southern California’s deep connection to the sport.
Although the journey to LA is ongoing, Humana-Paredes cherishes the opportunity to play in front of Canadian supporters in Montréal, recognizing the significance of each moment as she progresses towards her Olympic aspirations.