Olympics Jan 21, 2026

Olympics 2024: USA women's basketball team rallies to win eighth straight gold medal

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Olympics 2024: USA women's basketball team rallies to win eighth straight gold medal

USA captured their eighth consecutive Olympic title in women's basketball after edging out hosts France 67-66 in Paris on the final day of the Games.

The Americans were up 67-64 with 3.9 seconds left after Kahleah Copper hit two free throws.

Marine Johannes brought the ball up the court to Gabby Williams who caught the ball just inside the three-point line and banked in over the outstretched arms of Breanna Srewart for the final margin.

There was a brief delay before the officials signalled that it was a two-point shot, which led to the beginning of a celebration and a lot of hugs for the Americans and left the French players standing in disbelief as they fell just short in a breathless contest.

"It's amazing. It truly is a dynasty that we have built here at USAB has been incredible," said A'ja Wilson, who scored 21 points. "And I am so proud of the resilience that my team showed. We could have fumbled it many times, but we pulled through. To say I am a two-time gold medallist, I am so blessed."

"Gabby hit some great shots down the end, tough shots," Wilson continued. "We understood what we had in our locker room and leaning on each other and talking to one another and believing that we believed in each other and that's the greatest thing about it."

The American players celebrated the win with the celebrities sitting courtside that included men's basketball players LeBron James, Bam Adebayo, Derrick White, along with greats Lisa Leslie, Sue Bird and Dawn Staley.

The victory gave Diana Taurasi a sixth consecutive gold medal, making her the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history, ahead of long-time teammate Sue Bird, who won five.

"I'm sad for them because they fought, they've been working hard for two months," said French coach Jean-Aime Toupane. "When you see what they showed tonight, it's quite remarkable, I tip my hat to this team.

"They gave so much, it came down to small things but that's how sport goes."

USA had trailed China by a single gold medal going into the final but knew victory would see them top the table because they had more silver medals (44 to 27).

They also topped the table in terms of overall medals won (126), ahead of China (91) and Team GB (65). France finished with 64 medals in their home games.

Your Site+ has officially launched and will be integrated into , streaming service and the - giving Your Site customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost.

Tags:

olympics news

Share this article

Related Posts

Olympics 2024: Sifan Hassan wins dramatic women's marathon gold and third athletics medal of Paris games

Olympics 2024: Sifan Hassan wins dramatic women's marathon gold and third athletics medal of Paris games

Sifan Hassan completed a remarkable week with Olympic gold in the women's marathon, having already won a pair of bronzes in the two long-distance trac...

Olympics 2024: USA gymnast Jordan Chiles receives online racist abuse after losing her bronze medal

Olympics 2024: USA gymnast Jordan Chiles receives online racist abuse after losing her bronze medal

Gymnast Jordan Chiles says she received online racist abuse after losing her bronze medal from the Paris Olympics in controversial fashion."I am overw...

Olympics 2024: Emma Finucane and Emily Campbell win bronze medals for Team GB on final day of Paris Games

Olympics 2024: Emma Finucane and Emily Campbell win bronze medals for Team GB on final day of Paris Games

Emma Finucane became the first British woman in 60 years to win three medals at a single Olympics as she took bronze in the individual sprint on the f...

Olympics 2024: Breakdancer Raygun calls for harassment to end as Australian Olympic Committee condemn 'faleshoods'

Olympics 2024: Breakdancer Raygun calls for harassment to end as Australian Olympic Committee condemn 'faleshoods'

Breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, who became a social media talking point after her Paris 2024 performance, has called for the harassment to...

Los Angeles Olympics 2028: Hip hop legend Dr Dre says he is 'serious' about competing in archery at next Games

Los Angeles Olympics 2028: Hip hop legend Dr Dre says he is 'serious' about competing in archery at next Games

Music icon Dr Dre says he wants to compete for the USA in archery at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.During an interview on Entertainment Tonight, th...

Paris Olympics closing ceremony: Tom Cruise adds Hollywood glamour to conclude the 2024 Games

Paris Olympics closing ceremony: Tom Cruise adds Hollywood glamour to conclude the 2024 Games

Tom Cruise provided some Hollywood glamour as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games concluded with a star-studded closing ceremony that signalled the handing o...