Diana Taurasi, the 42-year-old guard, will be making history by competing in her sixth Olympic games as a member of the U.S. women's basketball team. Taurasi, who joked about playing in Paris after the Tokyo Olympics, has now turned that joke into reality as she aims for her eighth consecutive gold medal later this month.
Since graduating from UConn in 2004 and leading the Huskies to three consecutive NCAA championships, Taurasi has been a key player on the Olympic women's team. As the WNBA's all-time scoring leader with over 10,000 points, she continues to excel on the court, currently averaging 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in her 20th WNBA season.
With 414 points, Taurasi is the fourth all-time leading scorer in Olympic history and holds the record for the most games played with 38. Her experience and leadership are highly valued by her teammates and coach Cheryl Reeve, who emphasize the importance of her voice and knowledge on the court.
Having never experienced defeat at the Olympics, Taurasi embodies the winning culture of USA Basketball. The team has a perfect 38-0 record in Olympic games that Taurasi has competed in, dating back to the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Taurasi cherishes the togetherness and special moments that the Games bring, particularly highlighting the opening ceremonies as a standout memory. Despite her remarkable achievements, Taurasi remains humble and dedicated to the sport, expressing her love and passion for basketball.
Looking ahead, Taurasi's future in Olympic competition remains uncertain, with the 2028 Games in her hometown of Los Angeles potentially being her final opportunity to represent Team USA. Regardless of what the future holds, Taurasi's legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in Olympic history is firmly established.
For more updates on the Summer Olympics, visit AP Summer Olympics.
