Olympic beach volleyball champion Duda Lisboa pauses career to focus on health

Brazilian beach‑volleyball Olympic champion Duda Lisboa announced on 31 July that she will pause competition until November to address physical and mental health concerns. The break is part of a preparation plan for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle and follows a previous hiatus in 2025 after anxiety episodes at the World Tour. The decision was taken jointly with her partner Ana Patrícia, their coaching staff, medical team, Praia Clube, the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) and the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB). During Duda’s absence, Ana Patrícia will team with Carol Horta for the World Tour event in Hamburg, Germany.

In the same period, 39‑year‑old indoor‑volleyball opposite Monique Pavão of Praia Clube also announced a career pause. In a social‑media video she reflected on a 26‑year career that included a Superliga title in 2025/26 won alongside her sister Michelle. Pavão emphasized that the pause is not a retirement, thanking fans and indicating she will remain connected to the sport in a different capacity.

Both athletes’ announcements highlight a growing focus on health and well‑being among elite Brazilian volleyball players.