Diana Taurasi makes History with her 6 Gold medals
PARIS — Diana Taurasi made it known that she will be
competing for the gold medal in women's basketball in the 2024 Summer Olympics
in Paris. Her goal was to surpass her longtime teammate and best friend, Sue
Bird, who is a point guard for Team USA, with one more gold medal.
In the last competition of the 2024 Summer Games on Sunday night in Bercy
Arena, Taurasi achieved that when the Americans managed to hold on for a 67-66
victory over France to secure an incredible eighth consecutive Olympic gold
medal.
So how does it feel to be able to tell Bird about it when he's sitting courtside, observing the action?
Yes, that is the sole reason I attended. After the victory, in which she did
not come off the bench, Taurasi deadpanned, "It's funny because we scored
the same amount of points today."
Three years ago in Tokyo, following Team USA's seventh consecutive gold medal
win under Bird and Taurasi, Taurasi made headlines when she abruptly terminated
a TV interview by saying, "See you in Paris."
She couldn't have been serious, could she? As it happened,
she was.
On July 29, Taurasi, 42, started the opening pool play match against Japan,
making history as the oldest American basketball player to compete in the
Olympics.
She wasn't the only seasoned veteran representing the United States in
basketball this summer; on Saturday night, 39-year-old LeBron James led the
team to victory over France. However, at these Games or any other, neither of
them claimed the title of oldest hooper. Lauren Jackson, 43, who rejoined the
Australian Opals after a 12-year break, took home the honor. Australia won the
bronze on Sunday against Belgium.
Coach Cheryl Reeve lavished accolades on Taurasi, who is
regarded as the GOAT of the WNBA, despite not starting her in the gold medal
game.
Reeve declared, "She's defined USA basketball." "And in her last
Olympics, the leadership impact she is leaving by simply imparting her
knowledge." Six-time Olympian, she has made an impression on the team each
time she is present. I'm not aware of any more competitive team in USA
basketball history. In that sense, Dee is similar to Mount Rushmore.
Taurasi's Olympic experience was mixed. She started the
first three pool play matches the United States played in Lille, a town on the
northern border of France, even though she wasn't collecting many points, if
any at all. She was benched in favor of Jackie Young when the team traveled to
Paris for the knockout round. In the quarterfinals, Taurasi played 14 minutes
after coming off the bench, but in the semifinals, he only played six.
When asked how her other five medals compare, Taurai
jokingly said, "I prefer the other ones."
She remarked, "Beating the home team at home always feels good."
"It gives me a small sense of satisfaction."
What does this signify for the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will take place in
Los Angeles, Taurasi's hometown?
Diana Taurasi 6 Olympic Golds
Diana Taurasi becomes the most decorated Olympic basketball player ever
Athens 2004
Beijing 2008
London 2012
Rio 2016
Tokyo 2020
Paris 2024
