Team USA’s Hailey Van Lith dedicates her 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medal to late Lakers icon: “Kobe Bryant would be proud as heck”
TCU sensation Hailey Van Lith and the Team USA 3x3 women's basketball squad had a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the team was able to rise from the slump and ended up winning a bronze medal by defeating Canada on Monday.
It was a joyous occasion for HVL, who spoke to the media and said she dedicates her medal to the late Lakers icon, Kobe Bryant. She said:
"I think Kobe would be proud as heck of me for not letting us lose that last game. It was a tough situation for us to win in, and we just didn't soak it in... that's the Kobe mentality. Go out and win the next game."
Hailey Van Lith contributed six points on 5-of-7 shooting in Team USA's 16-13 win against its rival. She was also the top scorer through her Olympic run in Paris, totaling 47 points, ranking eighth overall in the 3x3 competition.
HVL talked about her and the team's win with NBCDFW.
"Winning a medal for your country just makes you super proud," HVL said. "Even after the game, I got super emotional. There just aren't enough words. You just feel so proud. You're just so thankful for your family and friends and everyone who cheered and supported you."
Hailey Van Lith also said that she would be excited to play at the 2028 Olympics.
"If they will have me again at the next [Olympics], I'll be back."
Hailey Van Lith expressed her dismay for the referees after the win against Canada
The U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team failed to defend their Olympic gold medal, losing in the semifinals to Spain but they won a bronze. As per Hailey Van Lith, it was the referees who set the team up for a loss.
"This was 1,000% BS. Those refs wanted the U.S. to lose," Hailey Van Lith said, as per Fox News. "They were flopping left and right. They are not that good. Great job, ladies, we know who should have won."
But her teammate, Cierra Burdick, took a gracious approach, acknowledging the effort and investment in the team.
"Not the medal we wanted, obviously, but I don't want to take away from the moment," Burdick said. "A lot of gratitude, a lot of blood, sweat and tears were invested into this. That's so cliché, but it's so true."
Even though the team could not bag a gold, their statements showed satisfaction with their performance and achievement.