The U.S. women’s basketball team, led by A’ja Wilson, won their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games. Despite a last-second shot by former UConn standout Gabby Williams, the victory was close and sweet. Wilson scored 21 points.

No club had been able to challenge the Americans during their amazing 61-game winning streak. Prior to the game against France, only two of those triumphs were by single digits. “It is amazing. Wilson added, “The dynasty that we have built here at USAB has been incredible.” “And I am very proud of my team’s resiliency. We might have messed up several times, but we made it through. I consider myself really fortunate to have won two gold medals. The eight consecutive golds broke a tie with the American men’s program, which won seven in a row from 1936 to 1968. The women’s victory came less than 24 hours after the U.S. men’s team defeated France in the final.

amazing. Wilson added, “The dynasty that we have built here at USAB has been incredible.” “And I am very proud of my team’s resiliency. We might have messed up several times, but we made it through. I consider myself really fortunate to have won two gold medals. The eight consecutive golds broke a tie with the American men’s program, which won seven in a row from 1936 to 1968. The women’s win came less than 24 hours after the United States men’s team defeated France in the championship game. For the first time in Olympic history, both gold medal games featured the same two teams.

Unlike the men’s game, this one came down to the last second and one shot by France. Kahleah Copper made two free throws to give the Americans a 67-64 lead with 3.9 seconds left. Marine Johannes sent the ball up the court to Williams, who grabbed it just inside the 3-point line and banked it in over Breanna Stewart’s outstretched arms for the final margin. There was a slight wait before the officials signaled that it was a two-point shot, which sparked a celebration and a slew of joyous hugs for the Americans while leaving the French players stunned after falling just short.

“Gabby hit some great shots down the stretch, tough shots,” Wilson added. “We understood what we had in our locker room and leaning on each other and talking to one another and believing that we believed in each other and that’s the greatest thing about it.” The American players went to celebrate with celebrities who were seated courtside, including men’s basketball players LeBron James, Bam Adebayo, and Derrick White, as well as U.S. women’s greats Lisa Leslie, Sue Bird, and Dawn Staley. Williams, who finished with 19 points, had made a deep three only seconds before Copper’s free throws to get France within one. Staley consoled her with an embrace.

The American players went to celebrate with celebrities who were seated courtside, including men’s basketball players LeBron James, Bam Adebayo, and Derrick White, as well as U.S. women’s greats Lisa Leslie, Sue Bird, and Dawn Staley. Williams, who finished with 19 points, had made a deep three only seconds before Copper’s free throws to get France within one. Staley consoled her with an embrace. “What a great basketball game. “The 12,000 or so people who came here were treated to an unbelievable environment, as well as the level of athleticism and competitiveness that these players demonstrated,” said U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve. “What better way to conclude the Paris Olympics than to witness that? We feel quite blessed, cheerful, with a lot of words

There’s a lot of trust that needs to happen, so I’m just happy that we got a win.” Diana Taurasi earned her sixth consecutive gold medal, becoming her the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history, breaking a tie with her longtime teammate Sue Bird, who had five. Taurasi, who did not play in the gold medal game, has remained humble about her possible record, stating that she is more concerned with the team’s success than her own. She had a difficult Olympics because she did not start any of the knockout phase games, which was the first time she had not been in the starting lineup since the 2004 Olympics. Australia defeated Belgium 85-81 in the bronze medal match earlier Sunday.