USA Triumphs in Nail-Biting Women’s Basketball Final Against France to Secure 8th Consecutive Gold
The United States of America (USA) Women’s basketball team won a thrilling game against France 67-66 to secure their eighth consecutive gold medal in the Olympics in Paris 2024.
Their incredible victory not only increased their winning streak at the Olympics to 61 games—a run that dates back to 1992—but it also cemented their supremacy in the sport of Olympic basketball.
The American women’s basketball team achieved the golden hoops double and extended their winning streak on Olympic hardwood to an incredible 61 games, a run of dominance that dates back to 1992, with LeBron James sitting courtside wearing the gold medal the team’s men won against France on Saturday.
With five seconds remaining, Gabby Williams made a clutch three to put Les Bleues down one, but the U.S. had to rally from behind to defeat the tenacious French, who had looked destined to cause one of the biggest surprises in Olympic history.
There was still drama to be had. Williams attempted to tie the game at 67-67 as the buzzer rang, but his desperate shot banked in off the backboard as the clock reached zero.
However, a video review revealed that Williams was inside the arch for two points, shocking the daring French and sending the Americans into a frenzy of celebration after their thrilling one-point win.
French coach Jean-Aime Toupane remarked, “I’m sad for them because they fought, they’ve been working hard for two months.” “I tip my hat to this team, what they showed tonight is quite remarkable.” “It came down to little things, but that’s how sport works. They gave so much.”
With the victory, the United States topped the medal table overall and the American women set a new record for the longest Olympic gold medal streak in a conventional team sport.
The United States tied China for the 40th gold medal of the Games, but won first place with more silver (44 to 27). This was the last medal to be presented.
For the United States, A’ja Wilson scored a game-high 21 points, with contributions from Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper totaling 12 apiece. Williams scored the most (19), leading France.
Despite missing the championship game, Diana Taurasi made history by winning her sixth gold medal, one more than her longtime teammate Sue Bird, to become the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history.
“That game was fantastic. Taurasi remarked, “That was a great French team and great crowd.” However, we managed to prevail, and that’s ultimately what these games are about—figuring out how to win. It’s challenging. You assume that everything will be lovely and that every shot will be successful. “However, sometimes all you need is the will to win.”
Diana Taurasi Ends Legendary Basketball Career with Sixth Gold Medal
With her sixth Olympic gold medal on Sunday, Diana Taurasi concluded her international career. She described it as “truly an honor” to serve the United States and witness the expansion of the international game.
The United States defeated the host country, France, 67-66, to win the gold for a record eighth time in a row.
The United States defeated the host country, France, 67-66, to win the gold for a record eighth time in a row.
With gold in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024, Taurasi overtook Sue Bird as the American women’s basketball player with the most Olympic gold medals. However, despite the country’s long-standing dominance, Taurasi never believed it would be guaranteed.
“These are difficult games,” Taurasi remarked. “Everyone always believes that winning gold medals will be simple. However, while playing a French team in France, they play aggressively, physically, and with pride. It was a hard victory.
The three-time WNBA champion guard for the Phoenix Mercury didn’t participate in the championship game, but US coach Cheryl Reeve called her experience a “tremendously valuable” asset prior to the Games.
Reeve declared, “She’s among the best competitors women’s basketball, and sports, has ever seen.” “Experience at that level cannot be replaced.” Taurasi advised her younger colleagues that winning wasn’t a given, despite American success in the past.
Before the event, I simply told the team that past performance does not guarantee future success. You have to go out and get it.
“This competition is proof that all of these teams have stepped up and are investing in their squads. Any team could have won every night, according to her. “It’s been enjoyable to participate in that.”
She has also delighted in performing with artists of varying generations. “I think I’ll just look back on 20 years of being able to wear the jersey,” she remarked after winning her sixth gold medal. “I’ve had the good fortune to play with some of the greatest players ever.”
“To witness these young boys go out there and win this gold medal is something I can only imagine.” “When I was younger, I was in the middle with my peers and some of my idols. Here I am, the result of a great deal of hard effort and luck.
“Only a woman would have 20 years of experience and it’s an Achilles heel instead of something that is treasured and used as a way forward for sport and women,” Taurasi responded to comments that she should have made room for a younger player.
Despite the fact that her city of Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympics, she has no plans to compete in another Olympics. She remarked, “I know, LA. I’ll be there on the beach with a beer.”
