Venezuela are making their debut this year in the FIVB World Grand Prix.Venezuela had a historic moment in 2008 when they qualified to the Beijing Olympic Games for the first and so far only time, ranking 11th after an 0-5 run in pool play. They have never qualified to the FIVB World Championships. Otherwise, they have been in the shadow of their neighbouring South American powerhouses Brazil, Peru and Argentina, though they have won five bronze medals at the continental championships. Their last appearance on the podium was in 2007, when they beat Uruguay 3-0 in the bronze medal match. Venezuela have also competed twice in the Pan American Games, finishing seventh in 1983 and fifth in 2003 after they were knocked out by USA 3-0 in the quarterfinals. They have, however, won two silver and five bronze medals in the Central American & Caribbean Games.