THE GRIMALT COUSINS WILL BE THE BEACH VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHT

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The reigning Pan American champions, Marco and Esteban Grimalt, as well as the fifth-ranked Canadian pair, Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, are set to make their debut on Saturday in Pealolen.

Peñalolen Park is ready to welcome the diverse stars of beach volleyball. On Saturday, the Beach Volleyball Center will host the most important sports event in the Americas with the debut of the Canadian women’s duo against Uruguay in Group D.

MARCO AND ESTEBAN GRIMALT: TEAM PANAM SPORTS AMBASSADORS

The “Primos Grimalt” (Grimalt Cousins), Marco and Esteban, are true stars of this sport and will compete at Santiago 2023. Their career in beach volleyball is impressive, and they are recognized as prominent figures globally. Currently, they are ranked 22nd in the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) World Beach Volleyball Ranking. They won the gold medal in Lima 2019 by defeating the Mexican duo of Rodolfo Ontiveros and Juan Virgen.

Their legacy includes a series of remarkable achievements:

• Gold medals at the Beach Bolivarian Games at Lima 2012 and Trujillo 2013 cement their legacy in the sport 
• They were notable participants in the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, representing Chile in the premier global sports competition 
• They won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Lima 2019 
• Awarded the National Sports Prize in 2022 
• Victory in the prestigious Elite Gstaad Tournament in Switzerland, a globally renowned event on the beach volleyball circuit

In addition, it’s worth noting that Esteban Grimalt had the privilege of being one of the two flag holders for Chile in the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games. Their dedication and excellence in beach volleyball make them true sports role models both nationally and internationally.

MEN’S TOURNAMENT GROUPS:

• Group A: Mexico, Paraguay, Chile, and Nicaragua
• Group B: United States, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Team Independent Athletes (referring to Guatemala, but unable to use its name due to sanctions).
• Group C: Brazil, El Salvador, Cuba, and Colombia
• Group D: Canada, Ecuador, Argentina, and Costa Rica

WOMEN’S BEACH VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS

Like the men’s competition, the women will play their matches at the Beach Volleyball Center in Peñalolén. On Saturday, October 21, starting at 10:30, the Canadian and Uruguayan teams will open the women’s competition in Group D, which also includes Paraguay and the Dominican Republic.

The winners of each group will secure their spots in the quarterfinals, while the second and third-place teams will compete in the round of 16 to determine the top eight in the tournament. The semi-finals, bronze medal match (third and fourth place), and final will then take place.

In the women’s category, the United States aims to replicate their outstanding performance in Lima 2019 and secure a second Pan American championship. However, the pair that triumphed in Peru, consisting of Jace Pardon and Karissa Cook, will not be present at Santiago 2023. Another duo to watch is Argentina, composed of Ana Gallay and Fernanda Pereyra, who won silver medals in the previous games.

On the other hand, the Canadian duo of Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson ranks among the best women’s beach volleyball teams globally. Their fifth-place ranking in the FIVB World Rankings is a testament to their skill and dedication. Their victories in the Beach Pro Tour 2023 and their impressive performance in the Montreal Elite 16 tournament highlight their dominance on the court.

Individually, both Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have an impressive track record of achievements, including world titles and participation in the Olympic Games. Their experience and skills will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with at Santiago 2023.

WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT GROUPS:

• Group A: Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico
• Group B: Argentina, the United States, Peru, and Independent Athletes Team (referring to Guatemala, but unable to use its name due to sanctions).
• Group C: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, and Puerto Rico
• Group D: Canada, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay