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U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Wins Olympic Gold in Paris

  • August 10, 2024

The U.S. Women’s National Team claimed Olympic gold in the final match today at the storied Parc Des Princes in Paris. The victory marks their seventh Olympic medal — and fifth gold — as they’ve made it to the medal podium in every Olympic Games except one since women’s football made its Olympic debut in 1996.

Mallory Swanson’s solo goal in the 57th minute secured the 1-0 victory for the Americans.

Head coach Emma Hayes, the long-time head coach of Chelsea FC, put together a young and talented 18-player roster that she knew would have the power, positioning and passion to win as a team.

Headlining Team USA was first-time Olympian Naomi Girma, who was the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Defender of the Year in 2022 and 2023, as well as U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2023. 

Last season’s NWSL Golden Boot winner and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith, who also made her Olympic debut, played alongside three-time Olympian and forward Crystal Dunn, midfielder Rose Lavelle, and forward Mallory Swanson. “As a child, anything I did, I didn’t see a point unless I was doing it to win,” Smith told Nike earlier this year. “The only way to have a victory is winning a gold medal.”

Nike is committed to growing the game for women, and that starts with listening to the voice of the athlete. Last spring, Nike introduced its “What The Football” campaign, championing female footballers across the globe who are inspiring the world through the power of sport, including Sophia and Australian star Sam Kerr. 

For the past three years, Nike has underscored its commitment to listening to the voice of women athletes and serving them more holistically through its Athlete Think Tank. Now, for the first time, the latest cohort also includes coaches from across the highest levels of sport, including head coach Hayes. The addition of coaches reflects a key insight from prior Athlete Think Tank cohorts: to champion athletes, you must also champion coaches, listen to their ideas and meet their unique needs.

Nike Athlete: Sophia Smith

Assets
Black and white close up of Sophia Smith wearing a white Team USA football jersey, looking directly at the camera. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail.
Sophia Smith wears her white Team USA football jersey, showing 11, and celebrates with arms wide after a goal.
Close up of Sophia Smith in her Team USA football jersey, showing number 11, smiling and celebrating after a goal.
Horizontal poster formal. On the right, a black and white close up of Sophia Smith's face. She looks directly at the camera, unsmiling. On the right, a headline reads, "If you're not upset about losing, you'll never win." appearing in black lettering on a white background.
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