Canadian Beach Duo wins gold in Australia

SHEPPARTON, Australia, March 6, 2017 - A Canadian beach team, playing in just their second major event together, won gold at the World Tour event in Shepparton, Australia, on Sunday. Julie Gordon (Barrie, Ont.) and Camille Saxton (Calgary, AB) had a decisive win over Germany's Kim Behrens and Anni Schumacher, taking the final 21-17, 21-14.

"We are really excited for our first gold medal together," said Gordon. "We are happy with our growth in such a short amount of time playing together, and are now looking forward to seeing how great we can be as a team. We are now in New Zealand working with one of our coaches, Charles Leota, here at a training camp in preparation for our next two events in Sydney and Xiamen (China)." 

The Canadians did not drop a set during the one-star FIVB World Tour event this past weekend, including a win over Germany's Leonie Kortzinger and Sandra Seyfferth in the semifinals.

"I'm so inspired playing with Camille [also the sister of Olympian Ben Saxton] and can't wait to see what else she will do. She is such a skilled player constantly seeking improvement, and it is so much fun to be playing alongside her," said Gordon.