In Saint-Denis, France, Alex Sedrick’s impressive run secured the U.S. women’s first Olympic rugby sevens medal in a thrilling comeback victory over Australia in the bronze-medal match on Tuesday. The Australians, who were the 2016 champions, were ahead 12-7 with only seconds left in the game, and the U.S. was deep in their own territory. Sedrick received the ball, shrugged off two defenders, and sprinted the entire field to score, sealing a 14-12 win for the Americans in stoppage time.
This victory marked the first time the U.S. women had reached the Olympic semifinals, where they were defeated by defending champions New Zealand. The bronze-medal match became a do-or-die situation for the U.S. team, and Sedrick’s incredible play turned their dream of a medal into reality, prompting celebrations and emotional reactions from the players.
The U.S. team rushed onto the field to celebrate their hard-earned victory, with Sammy Sullivan overcome with tears of joy and Ilona Maher raising her arms in triumph. The stadium reverberated with Bruce Springsteen’s iconic “Born in the U.S.A.” as the Americans basked in their historic achievement.
Following the final match between New Zealand and Canada, the U.S. women’s team finally had the opportunity to stand on the podium and receive their well-deserved bronze medal.
