Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes have already made Canadian women's beach volleyball history at the Paris Olympics.
Now they have a chance to cap the Games in style.
The Toronto duo secured a berth in the gold-medal game with a thrilling 14-21, 22-20, 15-12 semifinal win over Tanja Hueberli and Nina Brunner of Switzerland on Thursday. The Canadians saved a match ball in the second set before completing the comeback in the decider when a Swiss return sailed long.
"We will not give up," Wilkerson said. "We have heart and we have belief in each other. I think that's what matters here."
The seventh-ranked Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson became the first Canadian women's duo to reach the Olympic semifinals and are now the first Canadian pair - women or men - to play for gold at the Games.
"We still have one more day and one more game - we're not losing sight of that - but it feels really great to secure a medal for Canada," said Humana-Paredes.
"We know the colour that we want but we have this together forever and we hope Canada is proud of that."
Australia's Mariafe Artacho de Solar and Taliqua Clancy were to meet the top-ranked Brazilian duo of Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa in the other semifinal later Thursday.
Medal games were scheduled for Friday at Eiffel Tower Stadium.
Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes faced adversity early in this competition when a 1-2 start in pool play nearly derailed their plans. Qualification in the round of 16 came after a win in the lucky-loser round.
That was followed by an upset victory over Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth of the U.S. and then a tight 21-18, 21-18 quarterfinal decision over Spain's Daniela Alvarez Mendoza and Tania Moreno Matveeva.
The Canadians have won the big points when they mattered this week. Wilkerson remains a force at the net and Humana-Paredes has been at her crafty best, showing strong play up front while digging out balls in the back.
Their Swiss opponents hadn't dropped a set in Paris until Thursday, reeling off five straight 2-0 wins. A Wilkerson block on match ball was followed by two Swiss errors that forced a third set.
"When you're really getting pinned, Mel and I are good at sticking together and responding," Wilkerson said. "That's how we got ourselves into this position.
"That opportunity was no different from when we were in (the) lucky loser (match) and had to make it into this (part of the) tournament."
The Canadians were buoyed by the comeback as the vocal sellout crowd cheered them on. The Swiss pair seemed rattled and never quite regained their traction.
"To lose the second set was hard (on) the mind for the third set," Brunner said. "I think they really took that chance to go in front and then maybe they had a little bit more breath in the end."
After clinching the win over the ninth-ranked side, an exuberant Humana-Paredes ran around the side of the court before falling to the sand to embrace her partner.
"I was just full of energy that needed to get let out," she said. "I think there's a lot of pride in what we've accomplished and what we've done over the last two weeks.
"We've experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows."
The tough start in pool play led to a "little bit of impostor syndrome," Humana-Paredes said. Wilkerson added she had some emotions creep in at times too, including before the semifinal.
"We had to go through the crap to be able to get through to where we are," Humana-Paredes said. "I think that served us so well."
Frank, pure and honest conversations helped too. The belief in each other has always been strong, they both said afterward.
The years of experience - with big losses and big wins along the way - have also been beneficial.
"When adversity showed up again, it was a familiar face," Wilkerson said. "But it's someone that you make friends with, appreciate and thank later because it's the only way to go up. It's to overcome those challenges."
Canada's best previous Olympic result in women's beach volleyball was a fifth-place finish at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes shared the position after quarterfinal losses with different partners.
Canada's lone podium appearance came at the 1996 Games when Mark Heese and John Child took men's bronze in Atlanta.
"The game actually can be quite easy if you let it," Humana-Parades said. "You don't have to overcomplicate it and overthink it.
"I think that's where we went wrong earlier in the tournament and now we're just trying to bring it back to basics."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2024.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighbouring countries.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says he plans to look into whether the man accused of plotting a terror attack in Toronto should have his Canadian citizenship revoked.
Feeling your life lacks purpose or personal growth may be putting you at risk for cognitive impairment in later life, according to a new study.
Independent New Brunswick MLA Dominic Cardy officially launched a new centrist federal political party, aiming to win the support of disillusioned Liberal and Conservative voters.
Relatives of a Mississauga man say they’re 'desperate for answers' after their loved one went missing in Greece more than a month ago.
Canada's international trade minister is criticizing the U.S. Department of Commerce for nearly doubling duties on softwood lumber, saying the move is unfair and unwarranted.
'Alien: Romulus' is a back-to-basics movie that owes a debt to the first two films in the franchise.
The Town of Moosomin has decided to provide a $30,000 housing incentive to any new builders in the community, and an additional $8,000 for every door after.
Two men across the Greater Toronto Area are speaking out after they said they lost thousands of dollars on vacation in Mexico.
The Calgary Humane Society is investigating after a dead kitten was found in the southwest community of Kingsland.
The Jasper re-entry on Friday will now be for residents only, Parks Canada has announced.
Relatives of a Mississauga man say they’re 'desperate for answers' after their loved one went missing in Greece more than a month ago.
The Town of Moosomin has decided to provide a $30,000 housing incentive to any new builders in the community, and an additional $8,000 for every door after.
A number of 7-Eleven stores may be set to close in the long-time Slurpee capital of the world.
The Toronto District School Board this week revealed the three graduating Grade 12 students who scored the top averages across all public high schools in the city for the 2023-2024 academic year.
North Korea is to reopen limited international tourism by the end of 2024, nearly five years after it completely sealed the country’s borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two tour companies with connections to the isolated country have announced.
Celery was used to conceal more than 1,043 kilograms of methamphetamines that federal agents discovered in a truck at a farmers market outside Atlanta, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said.
Ernesto strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday as it dropped torrential rain on Puerto Rico and left nearly half of all clients in the U.S. territory without power as it threatened to strengthen into a major storm en route to Bermuda.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent presidential campaign suffered a blow this week when a judge in New York invalidated his petition to put his name on the state ballot, a ruling that could potentially create problems for the candidate as he faces challenges elsewhere.
Hunter Biden asked the U.S. ambassador to Italy for help regarding an energy project a Ukrainian gas company was pursuing while his father was vice president, according to The New York Times.
The United States managed to arrest Mexico’s most-wanted drug lord, but Mexican prosecutors — and the president — now say they are considering bringing treason charges against those who handed him over.
Independent New Brunswick MLA Dominic Cardy officially launched a new centrist federal political party, aiming to win the support of disillusioned Liberal and Conservative voters.
Canada's international trade minister is criticizing the U.S. Department of Commerce for nearly doubling duties on softwood lumber, saying the move is unfair and unwarranted.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says people seeking asylum at the border with Canada will have less time to consult a lawyer before making their case, as U.S. President Joe Biden's asylum halt makes its way to Canada’s doorstep.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighbouring countries.
Feeling your life lacks purpose or personal growth may be putting you at risk for cognitive impairment in later life, according to a new study.
Silk plant-based beverages are returning to grocery stores following a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to a number of recalled products.
The ancient ritual meaning of Stonehenge is still a mystery, but researchers are one step closer to understanding how the famous stone circle was created.
Google on Tuesday unveiled its next generation of Pixel phones, providing the maker of Android software a head start on the next iPhone in the race to bring more artificial-intelligence services to devices that have become people's constant companions.
Mars may be drenched beneath its surface, with enough water hiding in the cracks of underground rocks to form a global ocean, new research suggests.
'Alien: Romulus' is a back-to-basics movie that owes a debt to the first two films in the franchise.
Brandon Sklenar, who costars with Blake Lively in the film 'It Ends with Us,' was surprised in an interview by Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds.
The movie star's Unrealistic Ideas says it is moving ahead with a feature-length documentary centred around the history of the Waterloo, Ont.-based smartphone maker.
Cargojet Inc. Co-CEO Jamie Porteous says rising e-commerce demand will fuel major business gains in the second half of the year after boosting revenues last quarter.
Shares of former U.S. President Donald Trump's media company dipped and neared record lows on Wednesday, following weak quarterly results and the Republican presidential candidate's return to social media platform X.
The death-care industry, like any line of work, has had to learn to adapt to an evolving consumer and environment. But with a funeral home being a unique type of job, it does bring its own set of challenges.
If you suffer from allergies, frequent itchiness, rashes, sneezing and a stuffy nose can be the bane of your existence. But there's hope for allergy sufferers beyond antihistamines, says a pediatric allergist.
Traditionally, women considered 'demure' behave in a way that is modest, reserved and inoffensive to the point that they’re barely visible.
Nathalie Meijer will never forget that night she was leaving a boring college party and happened to meet Juan Lucio, who was doing the same.
Next time the Toronto Maple Leafs play a hockey game, star centre Auston Matthews will have a 'C' on his jersey. Matthews, 26, was named the team's new captain in a press conference on Wednesday. He takes over from John Tavares, who had held the captaincy since 2019.
George Springer knew he was going to be ejected for arguing after a replay call. That didn't stop the Toronto Blue Jays outfielder from showing his frustration.
A gold medal win by Canadian Philip Kim at the Paris Olympics in breaking has introduced the world to the sport and its culture that is all about peace, love and unity, his former coaches say.
Mazda is warning approximately 71,000 vehicle owners in Canada who have not yet repaired their cars following seven past safety recalls to urgently have them serviced.
U.S. highway safety regulators have closed an investigation into complaints that suspension parts can fail on nearly 75,000 Tesla vehicles, and they won't seek a recall.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say there has been a 'sharp increase' in the number of fatal motorcycle crashes across the province in recent weeks, calling the trend 'senseless and preventable.'
The Toronto District School Board this week revealed the three graduating Grade 12 students who scored the top averages across all public high schools in the city for the 2023-2024 academic year.
A Nova Scotia resident has been given an award for his selfless actions during a tragedy earlier this year on the other side of the country.
An Ottawa woman has been reunited with her dog after he was stolen nearly a year ago.
Hollywood legend Mark Hamill stopped by a Winnipeg recording studio to do some voice acting work while in the city.
Nathalie Meijer will never forget that night she was leaving a boring college party and happened to meet Juan Lucio, who was doing the same.
The town of Moosomin in eastern Saskatchewan plans to double its population by offering $30,000 cheques to those building a home in the community.
After posting about a recent trip to Jasper, Alta., actor Bryan Cranston heaped more praise on some of Alberta’s other majestic mountain destinations.
Owners and customers of Milano Pizzeria on St. Laurent Blvd. were shocked Sunday morning to find the restaurant had been vandalized.
For his new novel, The Seminarian, Hart Hanson started with a character rather than an incident.
The BC Wildfire Service says thundershowers are expected to bring some much-needed moisture to areas of the province where hundreds of fires are burning, including a destructive blaze in the Kootenays.
A fire that broke out at an affordable housing development in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood overnight has left several people hospitalized and dozens more displaced.
An officer with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police who shot a man in Gastown could face criminal charges, according to the province's police watchdog.
Silk plant-based beverages are returning to grocery stores following a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to a number of recalled products.
Next time the Toronto Maple Leafs play a hockey game, star centre Auston Matthews will have a 'C' on his jersey. Matthews, 26, was named the team's new captain in a press conference on Wednesday. He takes over from John Tavares, who had held the captaincy since 2019.
The southbound collector lanes of Highway 400 in Vaughan are expected during the afternoon rush hour due to a collision.
The Calgary Humane Society is investigating after a dead kitten was found in the southwest community of Kingsland.
One person was killed in a highway crash south of Calgary on Wednesday morning.
Four people are facing drug trafficking and weapons charges following a year-long Calgary police investigation.
Ottawa travellers will be able to fly non-stop to London's Heathrow Airport next spring, the second overseas destination out of Canada's capital.
The Jewish Federation of Ottawa and its community partners will not participate in the Capital Pride parade this year, after organizers of the annual Pride festivities released a pro-Palestinian statement.
The popular fast food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill will soon be serving up burritos and tacos in Stittsville.
Municipalities across the Greater Montreal area have implemented special collection plans to help residents figure out what to do with any garbage and debris left behind after Friday's intense storm.
For anyone cleaning their basements, rooms and other areas that sustained heavy water damage during the Aug. 9 storm in Montreal, there are several health risks associated with cleaning up water.
Quebec Public Safety Minister François Bonnardel talks of the damage caused by post-tropical storm Debby, including the municipalities still under states of emergency, flooded homes and residents forced from their houses.
A man, an infant and a dog were injured after a crash in Sherwood Park on Tuesday.
At least two people were hospitalized and one was killed in multiple crashes on Highway near Nampa on Friday.
Traffic on Fort Road can flow at full capacity again years of construction work to widen the street.
The National Hurricane Center declared Ernesto a category-one hurricane with maximum sustained winds near the centre of the storm rated as 120 km/h on Wednesday.
A Nova Scotia resident has been given an award for his selfless actions during a tragedy earlier this year on the other side of the country.
Halifax Regional Municipality has issued water quality advisories for three beaches due to high bacteria levels.
Ankle monitors are returning to Manitoba for people out on bail.
A number of 7-Eleven stores may be set to close in the long-time Slurpee capital of the world.
Police in Thompson have safely located a 26-year-old woman they were concerned about.
The Town of Moosomin has decided to provide a $30,000 housing incentive to any new builders in the community, and an additional $8,000 for every door after.
The newly operational Regina Urgent Care Centre has treated more than 4,400 patients since its opening on July 2.
A 66-year-old man from Regina is dead following a collision between an SUV and truck northeast of Melville Tuesday morning.
A man wanted for the attempted abduction of a Wellesley, Ont. woman on Tuesday has now been identified.
Silk plant-based beverages are returning to grocery stores following a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to a number of recalled products.
A Waterloo Region real estate broker is taking it in stride after one of his billboards was vandalized.
A Melfort-area man convicted of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl multiple times at a New Year’s Eve party has lost his appeal to get a new trial.
As Ukraine continues to defend itself against a Russian offensive that started more than two years ago, one local fundraiser is enduring a 400 kilometre trek to raise money for aid.
A 35-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a man in Saskatoon.
Independent New Brunswick MLA Dominic Cardy officially launched a new centrist federal political party, aiming to win the support of disillusioned Liberal and Conservative voters.
A black bear mauled and injured a three-year-old girl in a tent at a private campground in Montana just north of Yellowstone National Park over the weekend, state wildlife officials said.
A whirlwind of rain and snow will blanket most of Canada this winter thanks in part to the La Nina weather pattern, according to the Farmers' Almanac's new extended weather forecast.
More media layoffs coming down the pipe at Corus in London. Global News AM980 eliminated two full time and two part time positions on Wednesday.
Check your lottery numbers, last night’s draw could see a big winner in our own backyard.
A vigil is being held tonight for a little girl who was tragically found last week in the Thames River. Anna Bielli's body was found in the river on Aug. 4 near Western University.
Police in Barrie are asking for the public's help after they say a dog was stolen late Wednesday morning from a west-end neighbourhood.
The Inter-Township Fire Department rescued a large dog that had fallen down a 25-foot well on Monday.
A retired entrepreneur from Oro-Medonte who has been playing the lottery for three years dreamed of winning big, but now that dream has come true after winning $100,000.
Windsor West MP Brian Masse has filed an official complaint against Canada Post after he says they paused direct mail service to businesses and single-dwelling residents in Sandwich Town due to ongoing road construction.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit says there are currently zero cases of mpox in the region.
Kevin Corriveau, golf head coach at St. Clair College, has been named to Team Canada’s coaching staff for the 2024 FISU (Fédération internationale du sport universitaire, International University Sports Federation) World University Championships.
Most British Columbians are dissatisfied with their current financial situation, with more than one-third of respondents to a recent survey saying they worry "frequently" or "occasionally" about being able to pay their rent or mortgage.
British Columbia's Human Rights Commissioner says inequalities are baked into the province's justice, health and child-welfare systems.
There are calls for the federal government to rescind an order that’s set to pull lighthouse keepers from duty at two stations along Vancouver Island’s famous West Coast Trail.
Animal protection officers have seized 32 Pomeranian dogs and puppies from an "irresponsible breeder" in Vernon, the BC SPCA announced Tuesday.
A camper in B.C.'s south Okanagan is facing a "hefty" fine after lighting a campfire during the ongoing ban, local Mounties say.
Mounties in Kamloops are investigating after thieves used a pickup truck to break into a Lululemon store at the Aberdeen Mall early Monday morning.
A couple from Drumheller says they discovered they won the lottery while preparing to go golfing.
A Calgary judge heard arguments on Tuesday regarding sanctions against Medicine Hat's mayor.
Many communities across Alberta have been dealing with a shortage of physicians. The problem is being felt the most in the rural areas of the province.
Ontario’s Special Investigation Unit has cleared police in Thunder Bay in a case in which a woman going through a psychotic episode suffered from serious self-inflicted wounds.
The Schreiber detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is asking for the public's help in solving a break-and-enter investigation at the St. John Anglican Church in Schreiber.
A 53-year-old Elliot Lake man is charged with firearms-related offences after reports he was riding on a bicycle with a gun around an apartment complex.
A first-of-its-kind fashion series is running until Aug. 12 in St. John's, N.L.
Mother Nature smiled on St. John's Wednesday morning, allowing a volunteer committee to give the go-ahead for the city's unique weather-dependent holiday, the Royal St. John's Regatta.
More people are being released from Newfoundland and Labrador's largest correctional facility with nowhere to go home to, and experts say housing shortages, unco-ordinated community supports and a high number of inmates on pretrial detention are to blame.
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
