In a thrilling showcase of skill and power, Dutch pair Katja Stam and Raisa Schoon secured the gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Elite event of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. This victory is their first Elite gold in over three years, after last topping the podium in Doha, 2023. Known across the circuit, the duo achieved this success without dropping a single set, proving their formidable talent on the sands of Brazil.

Starting as the third-seeded team, Stam and Schoon displayed exceptional consistency to claim the title. Their path to gold included a decisive semifinal win over the French pair Clemence Vieira and Aline Chamereau, followed by a commanding victory against Brazilian stars Carol Solberg and Rebecca Cavalcanti in the final match.

The home favorites, Solberg and Cavalcanti, were aiming for gold in front of Brazilian fans but settled for silver, marking their second runner-up finish in the Beach Pro Tour. American pair Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft also captured attention by securing the bronze, following a strong rebound in the third-place playoff against the French team.

The Rio event featured 32 women’s teams from 13 countries, highlighting beach volleyball's global attraction and competitive depth. As the tour continues, the next Elite event is set for Hamburg, Germany from August 5 to 9, promising another exciting chapter in the Beach Pro Tour.

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