Undefeated at the Olympics since 1992, USA women’s basketball seeks 8th straight gold

The U.S. women’s basketball team, undefeated at the Olympics since 1992, is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Led by stars like Brittney Griner, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart, the team has already made history, with every member having won either Olympic or World Cup gold. Diana Taurasi, at 42, is the oldest woman in USA basketball history to compete in the Olympics, seeking her sixth gold medal.

Despite their dominance, the team faces challenges. Some big names were left off the roster, and the Olympics fall in the middle of the WNBA season, limiting practice time. Other countries, like Japan and France, have been intensively preparing and sending more players to the WNBA, learning from the U.S. team’s success.

The team’s coach, Cheryl Reeve, acknowledges the weight of history but emphasizes the uniqueness of this year’s squad. The team’s first game is against Japan, whom they defeated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. With increasing competition and pressure, the U.S. team remains the favorite but faces a tough path to maintain their winning streak.

Source: NPR