Olivia Macdonald competes in World Volleyball Championships

THE 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships were held in Adelaide, Australia from November 14-23. Teams from 40 nations battled for the crown.

Piopio's Olivia MacDonald, along with teammate Shaunna Polley, represented New Zealand. It was the first time in 24 years that NZ women have made the world champs, and by no means did they disgrace themselves. The pair beat the world number 8 ranked team (Italy), as well as Canada to advance to the next round, where they lost to Germany by the smallest of margins.

MacDonald and Polley lifted their world ranking from 33 to 17 in the process. Olivia's mum, Donna MacDonald, says she is so proud of the way both the womens and mens teams showed how formidable they are at this level of competition.

Previous to this the pair achieved four podium finishes including two Golds and two Silvers at Beach Tour events worldwide.