Basketball At The 1996 Summer Olympics Women's
The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, marked a historic moment for women's basketball. It was the first year that women's basketball was recognized as an official Olympic sport, and the games did not disappoint. With the best female basketball players from around the world competing, the tournament was full of excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.
The Teams
A total of 12 teams competed in the tournament, divided into two groups of six. The teams were:
- United States
- Australia
- Brazil
- China
- Cuba
- France
- Japan
- South Korea
- Canada
- Italy
- Nigeria
- Zimbabwe
The United States was the heavy favorite going into the tournament, having won the gold medal in every major international competition since 1984.
The Games
The tournament began on July 20, with the United States taking on Cuba in the opening game. The United States dominated the game, winning 101-74. They went on to win their next three games against Japan, Australia, and Italy by an average of 33 points.
Meanwhile, Australia, Brazil, and China were all playing well in the other group, and it looked like they could pose a real challenge to the United States in the knockout rounds.
In the quarterfinals, the United States faced Canada and won 77-60. Australia beat Italy, Brazil beat Cuba, and China beat France to set up the semifinals.
In the semifinals, the United States faced Australia, while Brazil played China. The United States and Australia had a thrilling game, with the United States pulling out a 76-64 victory. Brazil and China also had a close game, with Brazil winning 77-67.
The stage was set for a gold medal match between the United States and Brazil. The two teams had faced off in the 1994 World Championship, with the United States winning by one point. This time, the game was not as close, as the United States won 111-87 to secure the first gold medal in women's basketball in Olympic history.
The Players
The United States team featured some of the greatest female basketball players of all time, including:
- Teresa Edwards
- Chamique Holdsclaw
- Sheryl Swoopes
- Lisa Leslie
- Ruthie Bolton
Australia had a strong team as well, led by Michele Timms and Lucille Bailie. Brazil was led by Hortência Marcari, one of the greatest female basketball players in history, while China had the talented Zheng Haixia.
The Legacy
The 1996 Summer Olympics were a turning point for women's basketball. The success of the tournament helped to increase the popularity of the sport around the world, and it paved the way for future generations of female basketball players.
Since 1996, women's basketball has been a staple of the Olympic Games, with the United States winning the gold medal in every tournament except for 2004, when they won the bronze. The sport continues to grow in popularity, and female basketball players continue to inspire young girls around the world.
Conclusion
The basketball tournament at the 1996 Summer Olympics was a historic moment for women's basketball. With some of the best female basketball players in the world competing, the tournament was full of excitement and drama. The United States emerged as the gold medalists, but the legacy of the tournament goes far beyond just one team or one game. It helped to pave the way for future generations of female basketball players, and it continues to inspire young girls around the world to this day.