Canada earned their first-ever Paralympic medal in women’s sitting volleyball at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with Heidi Peters delivering a masterclass performance to lead her team to a straight-sets (25-15, 25-18, 25-18) victory over Brazil on Saturday at the North Paris Arena.
This victory marked a historic moment for Canada, especially significant as it came after their heartbreaking loss to Brazil in the bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020. In just their third Paralympic appearance, Canada finally climbed onto the podium, with Peters’ nine aces and nine attacks proving to be the difference.
“A hundred per cent, I could say that this is the best match in my life, in our life, and our team collectively. It feels like so many things, a lot of redemption from all our losses to Brazil, a redemption definitely from Tokyo and getting fourth place there. But it’s also them and our team as being totally different teams, different programs. So in a way it’s kind of a new rivalry. They’ve won World Championships through us. We beat them in some friendly tournaments and there’s been different situations,” Peters said.
“We just had a really strong game plan and really fought hard. I’m not gonna say it was easy but we were really prepared for every scenario. We were prepared for five sets, we were prepared to be successful, we were prepared for everything. I’m really proud of this team for sticking to the game plan and being ready.”
Peters was unstoppable throughout the match, her serving wreaking havoc on Brazil’s defence, a stark contrast to their previous encounter at Tokyo 2020, where Brazil had won bronze. This time, Peters’ deadly accuracy and relentless power from the service line dismantled Brazil’s game plan. Supported by her teammates, captain Danielle Ellis and Jennifer Oakes, who contributed with crucial all-around play, Peters led Canada to their long-awaited triumph. On the Brazilian side, Suellen did her best to keep her team competitive, finishing with nine points, while Janaina Petit Cunha added eight, but Brazil couldn’t overcome Canada’s relentless pressure.
Statistically, Canada was superior in nearly every category, outscoring Brazil in attacks (37-21) and aces (15-3). While Brazil edged Canada in blocks (8-7), they couldn’t handle Peters’ serves, which continually disrupted their rhythm and stifled their ability to string together successful attacks.
The opening set saw both teams testing each other early, trading points to a 3-3 deadlock. However, Peters quickly tilted the balance in Canada’s favour. Her eight aces in the first set alone dismantled Brazil’s defence, pushing Canada to a commanding 12-6 lead. Despite a brief spark from Suellen, who managed three consecutive attack points to close the gap to 13-9, Brazil couldn’t sustain the momentum. Canada’s response was immediate, regrouping after a timeout to continue extending their lead. A service fault by Sarah Meleka ended Brazil’s resistance, allowing Peters to close the set at 25-15.
In the second set, Brazil attempted to respond, with Suellen delivering a strong start from the service line to give Brazil an early 4-1 advantage. Yet Peters, undeterred, took control once again. Canada quickly levelled the score as Peters’ powerful attacks cut through Brazil’s defence. With Ellis and Oakes contributing timely plays at the net and on defence, Canada regained their composure and surged ahead 17-14. Peters added her ninth ace to make it 19-15, and Canada closed out the set 25-18, keeping Brazil on the defensive.
The third set was a tighter affair, with both teams trading points until they reached a 9-9 tie. Brazil briefly found momentum, with Suellen and Petit leading a 14-10 charge. However, Peters, showing her leadership, rallied her team, with Oakes providing crucial support at the net. Canada fought back to tie the score at 14-14, and from there, they never looked back. Julie Kozun’s service run extended Canada’s lead to 20-15, while Ellis and Sarah Melenka kept the pressure on Brazil. Brazil made late changes, but a service error from Pamela Pereira sealed the set at 25-18, handing Canada the bronze medal.
This victory was particularly sweet for Canada, having lost to Brazil in the same bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020. Peters’ performance from the service line was the key difference, ensuring that this time, Canada came out on top, claiming their first Paralympic medal and rewriting the story of their rivalry with Brazil.
“It’s our third Paralympics with the major core of the group. I’ve been with the program for all three Paralympics. I started just before we qualified for the Rio Games and I think we were just outside the top 20 in the world at that time, or maybe just scraping that. And now, we’re ranked first in the word, and just got third here in Paris,” Canada coach Nicole Ban said.
“The support and the growth within the world, but also within Canada is incredible. To see Volleyball Canada behind us is amazing but the next step here is to get more athletes playing sitting volleyball. I hope a bronze medal can do that.
“Honestly, it’s not about me at all. Not a little bit. I’m out there fighting alongside the girls. As anyone can see, I crouch down on the sidelines so I can be eye level with them. So they know that I’m in this fight with them. I’m very emotional. I’m very passionate. It’s not about me, it’s about them. Those girls make me a better person and a better coach every single day and I couldn’t be more proud of them. It’s incredible!”
Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.
