Around 450,000 fans filled the stands throughout the competition
At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, beach volleyball captivated the world as it took centre stage at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, with around 450,000 fans filling the stands to witness the world’s best athletes compete in the greatest show on sand.
The Eiffel Tower’s view of the packed Olympic beach volleyball venue
Having debuted 28 years ago at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996, beach volleyball has come a long way since then. Over the past 12 years under the leadership of FIVB President Dr Ary S Graça F°, the sport has experienced global growth through innovation and opportunity.
FIVB President Dr Ary S Graça F° commented: “I cannot think of a better Olympic Games to mark my last as the President of the FIVB. It is difficult to capture the magic of beach volleyball at Paris 2024 through words alone, everything from the venues to the smallest grain of sand were executed to perfection.
“From our incredible athletes and passionate fans to the Paris 2024 and FIVB teams ensuring the smooth operations of the event, it was a true team effort. Ultimately, beach volleyball was able to shine ever so brightly on the global stage at one of the most iconic venues in the history of the Olympic Games.”
New champions emerging
This year’s competition highlighted the sport’s growing diversity. Sweden’s David Åhman & Jonatan Hellvig made history by securing their country’s first-ever beach volleyball gold. They were joined on the podium by silver medallists Nils Ehlers & Clemens Wickler of Germany and bronze medallists Anders Mol & Christian Sørum.
The men’s beach volleyball medallists snap a selfie on the podium
Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Brazil’s Ana Patricia & Duda returned their nation to the top of the podium after a 28-year wait. But they were pushed to the very last point by Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson in what was one of the most closely contested women’s finals in the history of the competition. Completing the podium were Switzerland’s Nina Brunner & Tanja Hüberli, taking the country’s second bronze medal.
The women’s podium smile brightly during the medal ceremony
Volleyball Experiences connect and inspire with Parisian flair
Powered by the FIVB and Volleyball Foundation, over 300,000 fans were able to enjoy the exclusive Volleyball Experiences in both volleyball and beach volleyball venues filled with interactive activities.
FIVB Athlete Ambassador Louise Bawden coaching some future beach volleyball stars under the Eiffel Tower
With the help of several athlete ambassadors, Olympic medallists and world champions from around the world, as well as French legends of the game, fans could relax in the sunshine under the Eiffel Tower while learning how to dig, spike and block on Olympic sand.
Iconic moments
Things rarely get heated in beach volleyball, but during a close gold medal match between Ana Patricia & Duda and Melissa Humana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson, a brief moment of tension arose. Much to the delight of fans and media, the quick-thinking DJ diffused the situation perfectly by playing John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ to bring smiles back to the players’ faces and get the match back on track in the fun-filled venue.
Players gave their all on the court, battling fiercely for the gold medal
Every night at the Eiffel Tower Stadium, fans were treated to an extraordinary light show at the best stadium on earth. Strobe lights flooding the sand and stands with colour before the Eiffel Tower erupted ablaze with an inferno of shimmering gold against the night sky.
A magnificent light show highlights the Eiffel Tower
Celeb spotting at the Eiffel Tower Stadium
An array of famous faces, from sports legends and royalty, to honoured guests from governments and the Olympic Movement, were spotted at the Eiffel Tower Stadium as they joined in the global celebration.
FIVB President Dr Ary S Graça F° with tennis superstar Serena Williams
While the FIVB diligently wrapped these up for our readers throughout the Games, some of the standout moments included appearances from French President Emmanuel Macron, Snoop Dogg, American football’s GOAT Tom Brady, tennis superstars Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic, NBA great LeBron James, Legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane, singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams, and royal family members from Denmark, Jordan, Luxembourg, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Sweden.
But to everyone we welcomed, including over 450,000 fans, thank you for joining us for the biggest party of Paris 2024!
QUICK LINKS
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