Latvia’s beach volleyball stars shone brightly at the 2025 Three Stars Awards, where the nation’s top athletic achievements were celebrated. Hosted by the Latvian Olympic Committee alongside the Ministry of Education and Science, the event highlighted individuals who are shaping Latvia’s presence on the global sports stage.
Major Award Wins
Among the standout honorees were Tīna Graudiņa and Anastasija Samoilova, who secured the Small Team of the Year award. Their accomplishments include:
- Winning gold at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship — a first for Latvia
- Claiming two silver medals at Beach Pro Tour Elite events
- Reaching No. 2 in the FIVB World Rankings
- Being named Women’s Beach Volleyball Team of the Year by Volleyball World
Recognition for Coaching Excellence
Martins Plavins was awarded Youth Coach of the Year thanks to his mentorship of Kristians Fokerots and Gustavs Auzins, who won the FIVB U21 Men’s World Championship. Plavins himself won the same championship as a player two decades earlier, adding a remarkable full-circle moment to his career.
Lifetime Achievement
The Lifetime Contribution to Sports award went to Andris Vitauts Klavins, who has dedicated over 60 years to volleyball. His legacy is felt not only through his coaching and mentoring but also through his enduring leadership and advocacy for the sport across multiple generations.
Rising Momentum
Numerous other beach volleyball figures were also nominated, demonstrating the sport’s rising popularity and cultural relevance in Latvia. From young athletes to world-class teams, the nation’s investment in beach volleyball is clearly yielding results.
To read more about the award recipients and their achievements, visit the official announcement on FIVB.com.
