Kelsey Plum, recognized as a key player and the most highly-rated athlete on the U.S. women’s basketball team, played a pivotal role in their victory over France on Sunday, securing the gold medal in the final event of the Paris Olympics. The U.S. team’s win not only represented a triumph on the court but also held significant importance in the overall Olympic standings. With this gold, the United States tied China for the most gold medals won at the Games, each country finishing with 40.
The U.S. women’s team faced fierce competition from a determined French squad, but Plum’s leadership and performance helped the Americans hold off their opponents in the crucial final moments. This victory capped a highly successful Olympics for the U.S., which dominated the overall medal count. The U.S. team finished with a total of 126 medals, far ahead of other nations. In addition to their 40 gold medals, the Americans secured 42 silver and 44 bronze, showcasing their athletic depth across various sports.
Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the U.S. women’s basketball team, acknowledged the pressure her players were under going into the game. “I saw the medal count beforehand, so I knew,” Reeve said. “That’s what we need — more pressure.” Despite the weight of expectations, the U.S. team rose to the occasion, with players like Plum stepping up when it mattered most.
This latest victory continued the legacy of excellence for U.S. women’s basketball on the international stage, where they have consistently been one of the most dominant teams. Plum’s outstanding performance further solidified her status as one of the premier players in the sport.
