U.S. Women’s Rugby Defies Odds to Win Historic First Medal

The U.S. women’s rugby team made Olympic history this July. In a close 14-12 win, the team became the first American team to take home an Olympic medal in rugby sevens. 

The United States has had a history of being underdogs while competing in rugby at the Olympics. One USA Today article following the 2016 Rio Olympics read, “U.S. women bring attention to rugby sevens, but they won't bring home medal.” That all changed at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

The athletes celebrated their victory after the game. “In rugby we say we are just passing through the jersey and making the jersey better and that’s always been my goal to make this jersey better not just for me but for the other girls who are going to come into the program,” U.S. rugby player Ilona Maher said in a post-game interview. 

The United States claimed the bronze medal, while New Zealand and Canada took gold and silver, respectively.