When tensions boiled over during the Olympic beach volleyball, the best solution was to walk back to the fountain from the opening ceremony.
During an argument between Canadian and Brazilian players at the beach volleyball final, the DJ stepped in and played “Imagine” by John Lennon to defuse tensions.
It worked wonderfully.
There was a verbal altercation between Canadians Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson and Brazilian Ana Patricia Silva Ramos in the decisive third set, during which the referee separated the trio and showed Wilkerson the yellow card.
Before the next point, the song that had played an important role in the opening ceremony of the Paris Games was played.
All four players started laughing and applauding and the audience joined in.
Brazil won the third set 15:10 and took the game, gold.
Wilkerson later explained that the incident was based on a misunderstanding, as she was responding to her family – who were sitting behind the Brazilians – but Ramos thought she was being mocked.
“We’re pretty hyped up, partners coming in, referees coming in. So it was a little chaotic,” Wilkerson told reporters. “But after the game and even right when they shook our hands on the field, it was an immediate hug.”
OLYMPIC GAMES 2024 IN PARIS
After the game, the two teams posed for photos together with their medals.
Wilkerson and Ramos also joked, laughed and clenched their fists at the press conference.
“We are competitors and we are fighting for the same thing,” Wilkerson said. “There is only one gold medal. Immediately after the game, there is only love and respect.”
“We bring out the best in each other and I’m honored to play against this team. What a wonderful opportunity to play the final under the Eiffel Tower against the best in the world. That alone is a victory.”
