A heated exchange between Canada’s Brandie Wilkerson and Brazil’s Ana Patricia during the beach volleyball final at the Paris Olympics was quickly defused by the stadium DJ playing John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’ Despite the tense moment, both teams displayed sportsmanship after Brazil claimed the gold medal, highlighting the spirit of competition and camaraderie in the sport.
Steven van de Velde, a Dutch Olympian convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl in England in 2016, has advanced to the knockout round of the beach volleyball tournament despite losing his final pool play match. Despite calls for his ban from the Olympics, the IOC has stated it cannot stop the Netherlands from sending a qualified athlete. Van de Velde has again avoided speaking to the media, but his partner, Matthew Immers, expressed contentment with their performance. The Dutch team lost to Tokyo gold medalists Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, facing boos and whistles from the crowd. However, they secured second place in the pool, advancing to the round of 16.
The Dutch Olympic Committee is facing criticism for including convicted rapist Steven van de Velde on their beach volleyball team for the Paris Olympics. While the committee has taken steps to mitigate the impact of his participation, including moving him to alternative accommodation and restricting media access, women’s advocacy groups have expressed dismay over the decision, arguing that it prioritizes sporting prowess over criminal justice.
Emerging from the sun-drenched shores of Santa Monica over a century ago, beach volleyball has evolved into a global phenomenon, capturing the essence of summer and embodying the fusion of strength, elegance, and athleticism. The sport’s ascent to Olympic status in 1996 propelled it into the international spotlight, immortalizing iconic athletes like Kerri Walsh Jennings, Misty May-Treanor, and Karch Kiraly.
As the 2028 Olympic Games return to Los Angeles, Santa Monica will once again serve as a stage for this captivating sport, hosting beach volleyball matches against the backdrop of the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The city’s commitment to infrastructure development, rigorous security protocols, and accessible transportation options ensures a seamless execution of the Games.
Beyond the Olympic spectacle, Santa Monica embraces the spirit of wellness and outdoor adventure, offering a myriad of recreational pursuits. Surfing, biking, fitness classes, verdant green spaces, and farmers markets contribute to a culture of well-being unmatched elsewhere. As the countdown to 2028 commences, Santa Monica extends a warm invitation to visitors and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the Olympic excitement and the quintessential California coastal charm.
Discover Airlines, a leisure airline, has become the official premium partner of the German Beach Tour, Germany’s largest beach volleyball tournament series. The partnership will see Discover Airlines provide prize money for the award ceremonies at each tournament, as well as support the tour’s travel across Germany. The German Beach Tour spans four months from May to September and features competitions for both men and women. This year, the tour will visit nine locations across Germany, including Düsseldorf, Bremen, Heidelberg, Munich, Kühlungsborn, and Timmendorfer Strand. The series concludes with the German Championships at Timmendorfer Strand.
The German Beach Tour, Germany’s largest beach volleyball tournament series, has secured Discover Airlines as its official premium partner for the 2024 season. Discover Airlines will sponsor prizes for all tournament award ceremonies, marking its first venture into sports sponsorship. The partnership aligns with Discover Airlines’ commitment to creating memorable experiences and its route network featuring destinations with beautiful beach volleyball courts. The German Beach Tour, organized by NBO Event GmbH, is a leading national tournament series for beach volleyball in Germany.
