US Women’s Water Polo Team Falls Short of Medal, Finishes Fourth at Paris 2024
In a shocking turn of events, the US women’s water polo team failed to medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing fourth after a heartbreaking loss to the Netherlands. Sabrina van der Sloot’s sixth goal of the match with one second to play sealed the deal for the Dutch team, who won the bronze medal with a 11-10 victory.
The US team, which had won three consecutive gold medals and two silvers and a bronze since women’s water polo was added to the Olympics at Sydney 2000, was unable to overcome a strong Dutch team. The Netherlands trailed as much as 9-5 at one point but staged a dramatic comeback, led by van der Sloot’s four unanswered goals.
The US team, led by goalie Ashleigh Johnson, who made 10 saves, had a strong start, leading 10-7 with over four minutes to play in the fourth quarter. However, two quick goals by Vivian Sevenich and an equalizer by Bente Rogge set up a thrilling finish. Despite a last-ditch effort, the Americans were unable to get a shot off before a shot-clock violation, giving the Netherlands the opportunity to take the lead.
After the match, rapper Flavor Flav, who had become the US team’s ultimate hype man and sponsor, expressed his support for the players. "I love my girls,,, and imma so proud of them. We introduced Water Polo to a new audience and we just getting started,,, We headed to LA28," he tweeted.
The US team had entered the Paris 2024 Olympics as one of the favorites to win gold, but ultimately finished fourth after a loss to Australia in the semifinals. The team had gone 3-0-1 in group play and advanced to the semifinals after defeating Hungary 5-4 in the quarterfinals.
Despite the disappointing finish, the US team’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics marked a significant milestone in the growth of women’s water polo. The team’s participation in the Olympics has helped to introduce the sport to a new audience and pave the way for future generations of female water polo players.