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Perfect record: Olympic champions dominate in Adelaide
Neil Cross • November 18th, 2025 10:00 am
Athletes from around the world have hailed the delivery of the world beach volleyball championships after the opening four days of competition.
Brandie Wilkerson, Canadian Olympic silver medallist, arrived in Australia for the first time last week as she and playing partner Melissa Humana-Paredes embark on their Olympic journey.
The duo are chasing a maiden gold between them and have made the perfect start having won Pool J thanks to a 21-16 victory over Clemence Vieira and Aline Chamereau of France.
They will play Valentyna Davidova and Anhelina Khmil of Ukraine in the round of 32 and are yet to lose a match.
Asked how her first visit to Australia and Adelaide has been, Wilkerson told SEN: “We've been excited to come here.
“It's my first time in Australia, but for some reason, I think there's always been a good connection with Canada and Australia, so we're definitely excited to be here.
“It’s a bit colder than we expected, but that's OK, we're used to mixed weather in Toronto, so we're ready for anything.
“This event is so huge. I think it's such a great city because, we've always appreciated how much Australians love sports and really take care of the athletes, so this is no exception.
“Adelaide's done a great job.
“We also got to spend a little bit of time in Glenelg Beach area, which was really cool, and we got to meet some local beach volleyball players and then to be here, meet so many fans that are already coming out from the first pool play game.”
While travelling the world is part and parcel of being a professional athlete, Wilkerson admits it’s not always as easy as you might think to explore.
“I mean, I really do see and try to see the beauty in every city we go to and really get to experience where we are and not just be in the regimen of playing volleyball.
“This is a huge part of our job, being able to experience so many places all over the world, and there's been lots of cute restaurants, lots of good thrift shopping.”
Feeling at home in Adelaide she also appreciates the synergy between both nations.
“There’s an interesting relationship between Australians and Canadians, of course, Commonwealth countries.
“We all see the world, I think, in the same way.
“It’s been even better than I expected from the staff having so much pride in the preparation for this event and just the beauty, the aesthetics, the colours, the energy here, and then obviously the fans that have been coming here from the very first game that I'm anticipating will be even more by the finals.
“So it's exciting to be here.
“It makes it even more exciting to play for people who really appreciate the sport.”
