Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil, but when she does, Montréal has proven to be a favorable location for her. This week, from August 19-23, Humana-Paredes and her partner, Brandie Wilkerson, are set to participate in the Montréal Elite16 at Parc Jean-Drapeau, aiming to continue their success from last year’s victory.
In 2025, the Canadian duo secured their first title together by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets (21-15, 22-20) at the event. Humana-Paredes expressed her excitement at the chance to compete at home, emphasizing the strong support they receive from fans in Montréal, whom she regards as some of the best sports enthusiasts she has encountered.
Moreover, Humana-Paredes highlighted the increasing backing for women’s sports across Canada, from hockey to basketball, indicating a positive momentum that she believes will persist beyond her own athletic career. Despite their focus on the current competition in Montréal, the duo is already looking ahead to the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, with preparations already underway as Olympic qualification looms in 2027.
To manage the pressure and anticipation of the upcoming events, Humana-Paredes stressed the importance of breaking down their goals into smaller, manageable steps. They have returned to their foundational training approach for 2026, reuniting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles to create a familiar environment conducive to their Olympic preparations.
Following a successful performance at the Saquarema Elite and the Elite16 event in Ostrava, where they clinched their eighth podium finish and fourth gold medal on the Beach Pro Tour, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson continue their upward trajectory. The pair, who won Olympic silver in Paris, view each competition and medal as integral parts of their ongoing growth and development in the sport.
Looking ahead to the LA Olympics, Humana-Paredes anticipates a special experience, considering her extensive training history in Los Angeles, which she now considers a second home. She expressed her enthusiasm for the prospect of competing in a familiar environment where beach volleyball is deeply ingrained in the local culture and lifestyle.
As preparations continue for the upcoming Olympic Games, Humana-Paredes is appreciating the opportunity to compete in front of a Canadian audience, recognizing the significance of each step along the journey towards LA.