Diana Taurasi showcased six fingers on the medal podium, marking her unparalleled achievement in Olympic basketball history with six gold medals. At 42 years old, Taurasi was a member of the U.S. women’s team that narrowly defeated France 67-66 on Sunday, earning her sixth gold and surpassing Sue Bird for the most gold medals in Olympic basketball.
“Twenty years of putting this jersey on is truly a dream come true,” Taurasi expressed. “It’s an honor to share the court with the best in the world for 20 years.”
During the medal ceremony, Taurasi placed her hand over her heart as the national anthem played for the final time, before taking photographs, including one with her family to commemorate her latest achievement.
Taurasi has contributed to 44 of the U.S.’s record 61 consecutive Olympic victories since the 1992 Barcelona Games, with Sunday’s match being the closest contest during this impressive streak.
“That was a great French team, you know, a great crowd. We found a way to win, and that’s what these games come down to, is finding a way to win,” she noted. “The will to win is sometimes the only thing you need.”
While she did not play in this final match, Taurasi’s leadership remained invaluable to the team, which secured its eighth consecutive gold medal.
Brittney Griner, who played alongside Taurasi in the last three Olympics, expressed how significant Taurasi has been to USA Basketball. “Dee is everything to USA Basketball. She’s everything to each and every single one of us,” Griner stated, acknowledging the void her absence will create.
U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve praised Taurasi’s management of her role on the team, remarking, “She’s ran the gamut. In her final Olympics, the mark that she’s making in terms of leadership is incredible.”
After securing the Olympic title, Taurasi shared many hugs during the celebrations, including one with Bird, who watched the game from the sidelines.
Taurasi also announced her retirement from USA Basketball, despite the upcoming 2028 Olympics being held in her hometown of Los Angeles, joking that she might be seen “on the beach with a beer in my hand sitting next to Sue.”