Gabi Guimarães denies veto for South American Volleyball Championship

Gabi Guimarães, captain of the Brazilian women's national volleyball team, has denied reports that she would be sidelined from the upcoming South American Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 8 to 13 at the Maracanãzinho in Rio de Janeiro.

Following reports that her Italian club, Imoco Conegliano, had suggested she be rested to avoid aggravating a lumbar injury, Guimarães clarified on social media that her team, the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV), and her club are all aligned. She expressed optimism regarding her recovery and her participation in the tournament.

The South American Championship holds significant importance for the national team, as the winner secures a direct qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Guimarães has been recovering from a lumbar injury that kept her out of official matches since May, including the latter stages of the Volleyball Nations League.