Larissa Franca

• Sport: Olympic Beach Volleyball
• Nation: Brazil
• Notes: Currently partnered with Juliana Silva, comprising the top Brazilian tandem in women's beach volleyball. ... Has been with Silva since the 2004 season, and the duo has finished outside the top 10 just once in 54 FIVB events, winning 21 times. ... The pair is considered the top threat to 2004 Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor, with the two teams combining for 12 wins on the FIVB circuit in 2005. ... Franca and Silva already have two FIVB titles this season, winning in Adelaide and Osaka. ... Franca and Silva have reached at least the semifinals in 45 of their last 50 FIVB events entered, and also are the reigning three-time FIVB Team of the Year and Tour Champions. ... Franca has been named FIVB's Best Setter each of the past two years. ... Began playing standard volleyball in 1997 and helped her club team win a title in 2000 before taking up beach volleyball in 2001. ... Franca won a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games with Ana Richa and a gold in 2007 with Silva.