Ukraine's twin athletes, Inna and Iryna Makhno, achieved a remarkable milestone by capturing gold at the 2025 Krakow Futures in Poland. The Beach Pro Tour victory marks their first top-podium finish since 2022, signifying a powerful comeback under the support of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program.
Dominant Run to Gold
Entering as the tournament’s ninth seeds, the Makhnos demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the event:
- Advanced from pool play as runners-up
- Won four elimination matches consecutively
- Defeated Poland’s Marta Lodej and Julia Kielak in the semifinals without dropping a set
- Secured gold in a tight final against Norway’s Frida Berntsen and Oda Steinsvag with a 2-1 victory (23-21, 20-22, 15-5)
This tournament win is their second-ever gold on the Tour, following their 2022 triumph at the Baden Futures.
Noteworthy Performances from Other Teams
Norway’s Berntsen and Steinsvag claimed their first podium finish by earning silver, showcasing their quick ascent in international competition. Spain’s Sofia Izuzquiza and Sofia Gonzalez, in their debut collaboration, won the bronze medal after a straight-sets victory over the Polish pair of Lodej and Kielak.
Global Representation
The Krakow Futures brought together 26 women’s teams from 16 different nations, reflecting the continued growth and reach of beach volleyball globally. This event is part of a series, with four more Futures tournaments scheduled from June 19 to 22 in China, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland.
Support Through Empowerment
The Makhnos’ gold medal serves as a testament to resilience and the impact of the FIVB Empowerment initiative, which supports national teams facing challenges and ensures they remain competitive on the global stage.
For more information, visit the official FIVB article here.
