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"We just beat the second-best team in the world" - US women's rugby sevens team exudes happiness after winning bronze medal at Paris Olympics
The USA women's rugby sevens team exuded pride after defeating the second-best team in the world for the bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The win was the first Olympic medal won by the USA, who beat Australia 14-12 in a thrilling final two minutes.
The USA women's rugby sevens team, dubbed the Eagles Sevens, trains at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center south of San Diego.
The USA faced the favorite, 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalist New Zealand, in the semifinal and lost the match 24-12. The US team then faced Australia for the women's rugby seven bronze and won the match 14-12 with a last-minute try.
They thus claimed the first Olympic podium in US women's rugby history. On the final play, the 26-year-old Alex Sedrick's try and subsequent conversion brought home the first US women's rugby Olympic medal.
Ariana Ramsey, a Dartmouth College alum, expressed pride after having defeated the world's second-best team in the bronze medal match:
"We just made history. We just beat the second-best team in the world. That’s insane. It’s groundbreaking. Everything about this game was groundbreaking," she said (via Los Angeles Times).
Sedrick, reflecting on scoring the game-winning points, shared that she unexpectedly took on the role of a kicker as her efforts helped bring bronze for her team:
“I’m not a kicker by any means, I’m not even second, third, or fourth in line for that position. But I was the one on the field to take it, and luckily it went in,” Sedrick said. (via NPR)
In the French capital, the first day of the women's rugby matches drew 66,000 at the Stade de France, setting a world record for women's rugby sevens. At both the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, rugby sevens received scant attention but witnessed a packed stadium this year.
The US women's rugby sevens team receives $4 million donation from Michele Kang
American businesswoman Michele Kang has long supported women's sports through her organization, Kynisca Sports International. On acquiring the Washington Spirit, Kang became the first woman of color to own a team in the National Women's Soccer League.
Kang announced a donation of $4 million to the Eagles team, which won the bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She said she aims to support the team and help them prepare for the 2028 LA Olympics:
"This Eagles team, led by players like Ilona Maher and co-captains Lauren Doyle and Naya Tapper, has captivated millions of new fans, bringing unprecedented attention to the sport. I am so happy to support these outstanding athletes to realize their dream in capturing the gold in Los Angeles in 2028. That work starts now," said Kang. (via NBC San Diego)
The US women's rugby sevens team will look to bag a gold at the 2028 LA Olympics when their home nation will host the Games.
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