Paris 2024 Olympic Games: John Lennon's 'Imagine' calms mood after tempers flare in women’s volleyball gold medal match

A musical interlude featuring John Lennon's 'Imagine' saved the day during the women's volleyball gold medal match, as tensions boiled over during a spat between Canada's Brandie Wilkerson and Brazil’s Ana Patricia Silva Ramos. The quick-thinking MC at the Eiffel Tower Stadium played the song shortly after the referee had separated the pair, which was appreciated by players and spectators alike.

As emotion began to spill over in the women’s volleyball gold medal match between Brazil and Canada, the in-house MC at the temporary Eiffel Tower Stadium came to the rescue with the perfect song choice.

During the heated match, there was an angry exchange between Brandie Wilkerson and Brazil’s Ana Patricia Silva Ramos at the net.

The pair frustratedly voiced their arguments before the referee swiftly intervened, brandishing a yellow card to Wilkerson for her exasperated antics.

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Just as the players returned to their positions and allowed themselves a moment to take a breather and refocus for the rest of the match, John Lennon’s calming song ‘Imagine’ bellowed out over the speakers, much to the athletes’ amusement.

“That’s the emotion of the Olympic Games in the gold medal match. A yellow card for Brandie Wilkinson,” the Eurosport commentator said as the players retreated to their positions following the dramatic scenes.

“They all need to refocus, especially Wilkerson who was upset with something that happened.

“But it’s okay, she’s smiling! The MC is trying to calm things down with the music. There we go…”

Wilkerson broke out in laughter and began to applaud the choice of song when she realised, which was replicated by Ramos as tensions eased.

Brandie Wilkerson reacts during the women's volleyball gold medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Image credit: Getty Images

The move from the clever MC sparked a singalong between those in attendance under the iconic Eiffel Tower, in a heartwarming Olympic moment.

“We're pretty amped up, partners are coming in, refs are coming in. So it was a bit of a mess," Wilkerson said after the match, as she revealed the argument stemmed from a misunderstanding with her family in the crowd.

“But after the game, and even right when they came to shake our hands, still on the court, there was an immediate hug.”

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She added: “It’s all love and respect. We bring out the best in each other, and I’m honoured to play against this team.”

Brazil won the three-set match to claim the Olympic title, as Wilkerson and Canada settled for the silver medal.

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