U.S. Women’s Basketball Team Claims Eighth Consecutive Olympic Gold
PARIS – It wasn’t the most polished performance, but it was enough. Led by A’Ja Wilson’s 21 points, the U.S. women’s basketball team edged out France 67-66 on Sunday, marking their eighth straight Olympic gold medal. This victory extends their unbeaten streak at the Summer Games to 61 games, dating back to 1992.
The game was far from easy, as the Americans faced relentless pressure from the French team and a passionate home crowd at Bercy Arena. The match came down to a nail-biting moment when France’s Gabby Williams made a long-range shot at the buzzer. The shot was initially thought to be a three-pointer but was ruled a two-pointer, giving the U.S. a narrow one-point win.
“It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done,” said Breanna Stewart after the game. “Whether it’s pretty or ugly, our goal was to come out on top, and we did. We’re leaving with the gold.”
The first half was marked by disjointed play, with the U.S. struggling against France’s physical defense. France briefly led 25-23 before halftime, but the U.S. managed to tie it up just before the break. The second half saw the U.S. trailing by as much as ten points and struggling to find their rhythm.
“We had difficulty finding our pace and scoring in transition,” noted U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve. “Both teams were strong defensively, and it was tough for each side to make things happen.”
Key moments in the fourth quarter came from Kelsey Plum, who made crucial three-pointers and free throws. Jackie Young, a significant contributor throughout the tournament, fouled out but not before making her impact felt.
This was France’s first appearance in the Olympic gold medal game since London 2012, where the U.S. defeated them by 36 points. With this loss, France takes home the silver, while Australia secures the bronze after defeating Belgium.
Brittney Griner, competing internationally for the first time since her release from a Russian prison swap 20 months ago, was emotional during the medal ceremony. “I was overwhelmed with emotion,” Griner said. “Standing on the podium with the anthem playing, tears started falling. This gold medal means so much, especially after everything I’ve been through.”
The U.S. had a stellar basketball weekend, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing gold medals against host France. The men’s team won their fifth consecutive Olympic gold the day before, defeating France 98-87 and finishing the Paris Games undefeated.
