Makhno Twins Secure First Beach Pro Tour Gold in Three Years

In a remarkable display of skill and resilience, Ukrainian twins Inna and Iryna Makhno clinched their first gold medal in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in three years during the Krakow Futures tournament held in Poland on June 16, 2025. The victory marks a significant comeback for the Makhno sisters, who were joined on the podium by Norway’s Frida Berntsen and Oda Steinsvag, as well as Spain’s Sofia Izuzquiza and Sofia Gonzalez.

The Makhno twins, aged 30, entered the tournament seeded ninth and finished as runners-up in their pool. Despite this setback, they showcased exceptional performance during the playoffs, winning four consecutive matches to secure their place at the top. Their last gold medal was at the Baden Futures in 2022, making this victory a pivotal moment in their career.

In the semifinals, the Makhno sisters delivered a stunning performance, defeating fourth-seeded Polish duo Marta Lodej and Julia Kielak with a score of 2-0 (21-18, 21-18). The gold medal match proved to be a thrilling encounter, where the sisters triumphed over Berntsen and Steinsvag after a tightly contested three-set match, concluding with a score of 2-1 (23-21, 20-22, 15-5).

The Norwegian team, seeded fifth, also had an impressive run, achieving their first Beach Pro Tour podium finish. They secured a place in the final by overcoming the second-seeded Spanish pair Izuzquiza and Gonzalez with a comeback victory in the semifinals, winning 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-13).

Izuzquiza and Gonzalez, who reached the semifinals undefeated, faced a setback against the Norwegians but rebounded to claim the bronze medal by defeating Lodej and Kielak 2-0 (21-18, 21-19). This marked the Beach Pro Tour debut for the Spanish duo, with 19-year-old Izuzquiza celebrating her first podium finish just a week prior, having secured a bronze alongside Ana Vergara.

A total of 26 women's teams representing 16 countries participated in the Krakow Futures, showcasing the growing popularity and competitive nature of women's beach volleyball. The event serves as a precursor to four additional Futures tournaments scheduled from June 19 to 22 in various international locations, including Qidong, China, Ios, Greece, Messina, Italy, and a men's tournament in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Makhno twins' victory not only highlights their individual talents but also underscores the resilience of Ukrainian athletes on the global sports stage, especially amidst ongoing challenges faced by their nation. Their success in Krakow is anticipated to inspire a new generation of athletes and contribute to the increasing visibility of women's beach volleyball internationally.