"It only lasts one minute, but it's a good time": When Venus Williams turned emotional about hearing US national anthem after winning gold at Olympics
Venus Williams became emotional while talking about hearing the US national anthem after winning two gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. One came in singles, and the other in doubles, where she teamed up with her younger sister Serena.
Venus is arguably one of the greatest Olympians in tennis history, holding a record number of medals with four golds and one silver. She is tied with Kathleen McKane Godfree, who has one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes. The American won her first two gold medals at the Sydney Olympics, then two more in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, before earning a silver in Rio 2016.
Venus won the singles gold medal at the 2000 Summer Games by defeating Russia's Elena Dementieva in the final. In doubles, she and her sister Serena brought glory to America by overcoming the Netherlands' Kristie Boogert and Miriam Oremans.
During the medal presentation ceremony following her doubles win, Venus Williams beamed as 'The Star-Spangled Banner' played, closing her eyes for much of the song to savor the moment.
Later, she shared her thoughts with the media (via ESPN):
"It only lasts one minute, but it's a good time."
The seven-time Grand Slam champion also said that winning doubles with Serena felt "bigger" than her singles win and stressed how meaningful it was to make history. Notably, they became the first sisters to win a gold medal in doubles.
"For me, this is almost bigger than singles," Venus said. "To have a victory like this with Serena, my sister and best friend, doesn't happen very often. To be a part of history is really important. To be able to cap an opportunity and succeed is really, really rewarding."
"It was a happy moment for me watching Venus Williams win" - American's sister Serena
Serena Williams shared her joy at seeing her sister Venus win the singles gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, saying it felt just as amazing as their doubles victory.
"It was a happy moment for me Wednesday, watching Venus win. It was the same kind of feeling today," Serena told the media (via ESPN).
"This takes the cake. Every year I can win a Slam. This is every four years, and you never know what's going to happen," she added.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has three gold medals in doubles with Venus Williams and also secured a singles gold at the 2012 London Olympics by defeating Russia's Maria Sharapova in the championship match.