DJ Plays “Imagine” to Calm Beach Volleyball Players After Fiery Exchange

John Lennon’s 1971 hit “Imagine” still soothes fans to this day.

The song gained notoriety during the 2024 Paris Olympics when a DJ played it to ease tensions between the Brazilian and Canadian teams during the women’s beach volleyball final on August 9.

In the heat of the match, tensions reached an all-time high when Canada cut Brazil’s advantage to 11-8 in the third set. As soon as the point was won, Brazilians Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa found themselves at the net with Canadians Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, arguing and exchanging words for several minutes.

However, things quickly calmed down when the referee intervened and separated them. To help calm the seemingly tense situation between the two teams, the event’s DJ played Lennon’s “Imagine” as the players returned to their starting positions.

As soon as the players heard the song, they responded immediately, with Wilkerson smiling and even clapping her hands in the air. The audience seemed to do the same, with many clapping and even singing along.

After the song was sung, the match continued and eventually Brazil defeated Team Canada 2-1.

This victory was of great importance for Brazil as it was their second gold in this sport and their first since winning the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996, when beach volleyball made its debut.

Wilkerson and her teammate Melissa Humana-Paredes won silver medals, while Switzerland’s Tanja Huberli and Nina Betschart took bronze.

The situation quickly went viral on the internet, with many people on X praising the DJ for his commitment.

Someone said, “Volleyball DJs are the best. Best crowd, best atmosphere and who can beat the background. Iconic.”

Another wrote: “This is wholesome. Also funny playing a song with the line ‘imagine there are no countries’ at the Olympics.”

A third summed up the moment and listed the best parts of the match. He said, “Okay, this is incredible: 1/ Canadians and Brazilians have a heated chat at the net during the women’s beach volleyball gold medal match. 2/ DJ plays John Lennon’s “Imagine.” 3/ Players look at each other and smile. 4/ Crowd starts singing along.”