USA finish top of the Paris 2024 medal table after their women's basketball team claim a 40th gold for the country by beating hosts France 67-66 in a dramatic final on Sunday; Australia defeat Belgium to claim the bronze
Sunday 11 August 2024 17:28, UK
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.
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