Olympic beach volleyball silver medallist Melissa Humana-Paredes of Canada and three-time Olympian Esteban Grimalt of Chile were among the athletes featured at a fashion show in Milan during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The fashion show was held at Clubhouse 26, the official hospitality venue in Milan, and was hosted by the International Olympic Committee. Olympians from across the Olympic movement took part in the event, presenting performance wear and Opening Ceremony outfits from their National Olympic Committees as part of the Olympic Winter Games programme in the city.
Humana-Paredes appeared at the event following a landmark Olympic year for Canadian beach volleyball. She won silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Brandie Wilkerson, becoming part of the first Canadian women’s beach volleyball team to reach the Olympic podium. The medal followed her fifth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Games alongside Sarah Pavan.
The experience marked a change of pace, offering a very different environment from competition.
“It was an absolute honour to be part of such a unique cultural event,” Humana-Paredes said.
“It was definitely out of my comfort zone to walk a runway, and it was so wild to see the behind-the-scenes of a fashion show. There is so much going on. It is pure chaos corralling models and athletes, but seeing all the models be so calm and elegant through the wild energy reminded me a little of what it is like to be an athlete on the court and maintaining focus and composure.
“I was told by the models that it is better to keep a straight face down the runway, but I could not stop smiling all day.”
The Milan fashion show formed part of the Olympic Winter Games programme in the city, with athletes from different sports appearing as part of the event during Milano Cortina 2026.
Humana-Paredes said events like the Milan fashion show highlighted a broader side of the Olympic experience beyond competition.
“I think experiences like this are so special because they show a different side to sport, culture and the Olympics without the pressure of competing,” she said. “It is such a one-of-a-kind experience. These are the ones you have to say yes to.
“Learning how special and challenging it is to outfit such a big country like Canada, with more than 200 athletes, is eye-opening and impressive. These are things we are not exposed to, and it gives you so much appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes. It is definitely something I would love to learn more about outside of being an athlete in the future.”
Esteban Grimalt proudly donned the Team Chile gear for the Milano Cortina 2026 fashion showcase.
Grimalt has represented Chile at three Olympic Games, competing with his cousin Marco Grimalt at Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. The pair were the first Chilean beach volleyball team to qualify for the Olympic Games and have competed at each edition of the tournament since their debut.
As a summer Olympian, Humana-Paredes said the Milan event also gave her a rare chance to experience the Winter Games atmosphere up close.
“It was my first experience at a Winter Olympics,” Humana-Paredes said. “It is rare to be here and engage with and support the winter Olympians live. We usually never have the opportunity to interact.
“It feels extra exhilarating. I also find watching sport harder than playing, so I am more nervous for my fellow Canadians. But I know Canada is always so strong at the Winter Olympics, so I feel extra proud and confident being here and feeling the Olympic energy. It is getting me excited for our own Olympic qualification coming up.”
Credit: IOC and @olympics
