Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely gets the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil, but when she does, Montréal has proven to be a successful venue for her. This week, from August 19-23, Humana-Paredes and her partner, Brandie Wilkerson, will be participating in the Montréal Elite16 at Parc Jean-Drapeau, aiming to build on their victory from last year.
In the 2025 event, the Canadian duo secured their first title together by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets with scores of 21-15, 22-20. Humana-Paredes emphasized the significance of competing at home, expressing gratitude for the enthusiastic support of Montréal sports fans.
She also highlighted the increasing backing for women’s sports across Canada, noting the positive momentum that is propelling female athletes forward. Looking ahead, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already focusing on their preparations for the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics, with qualification processes starting in 2027.
Despite the anticipation for future competitions, Humana-Paredes stressed the importance of staying focused on the present and breaking down their Olympic journey into manageable segments. The pair has reunited with their former coaching staff as part of their strategy to refine their skills and performance leading up to the Olympics.
Their recent successes, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, reflect their continuous improvement and dedication to their sport. Humana-Paredes views each achievement and experience as an opportunity for growth and preparation for future challenges.
As they gear up for the 2028 Olympics, which hold personal significance for Humana-Paredes due to her training history in Los Angeles, the pair remains committed to their training and fine-tuning their skills. Humana-Paredes anticipates a memorable experience competing in beach volleyball, a sport deeply ingrained in the Southern California community.
While the road to LA 2028 is long, Montréal serves as a special stop for Humana-Paredes, offering her a chance to showcase her talents in front of her fellow Canadians and appreciate the support from her home country.