PARIS (AP) — Diana Taurasi held up six fingers on the winner’s podium.

No one else can match her: she stands alone in Olympic Basketball legend with six gold medals.

The 42-year-old American was part of the US women’s team that France 67-66 on SundayTaurasi’s sixth gold medal, breaking the tie with longtime American teammate Sue Bird for the most Olympic basketball medals in basketball history.

“To wear this jersey for 20 years is truly a dream come true,” she said. “It’s an honor to share the field with the best in the world for 20 years.”

Taurasi stood with her hand over her heart one last time during the national anthem at the medal ceremony. Then it was time for more photos, including one final one with her family in attendance and the newest addition to her gold collection.

Taurasi has been involved in 44 of the 61 consecutive Olympic victories that have held her record since the 1992 Barcelona Games. Sunday’s victory was the closest of the series.

“It was a great French team, you know, a great crowd. We found a way to win, you know, and that’s what matters in these games, finding a way to win,” she said. “You know, you think it’s going to be beautiful and every shot is going to go in. But you know, the will to win is sometimes the only thing you need.”

Unlike the last five Olympics she has competed in, Taurasi was not a major factor on the court this time as the U.S. won its eighth consecutive gold medal. She did not compete in that title game.

Taurasi Nevertheless, the Americans also brought valuable experience outside the tennis court, as they have now won 61 Olympic Games in a row since the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

Brittney Griner, who played with Taurasi in the last three Olympics, said her Phoenix Mercury teammate will be missed.

“Dee means everything to USA Basketball. She means everything to each and every one of us,” Griner said. “You know, there’s going to be a void when she’s not here anymore. And I’m just glad I was able to be here with her this time and enjoy this time.”

U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve said she has spoken to Taurasi about her role on the team and is impressed with how the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer is coping with her reduced role after shaping the U.S. basketball team for so long.

“She’s been through it all. And you know, in her final Olympics, she’s making a lasting impression in terms of leadership and sharing her knowledge,” Reeve said.

“I don’t know if there’s a bigger competitor for US basketball. I mean, there have been some great ones. It’s kind of like a Mount Rushmore.”

After the recent U.S. Olympic title was secured, Taurasi was often hugged during the celebrations, including by Bird, who watched the game in civilian clothes from the opposite sideline.

Taurasi said she has now retired from US basketball, even though the next Olympic Games will be held in her hometown of Los Angeles in 2028.

She joked that she might be seen there “sitting on the beach next to Sue with a beer in her hand.”

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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games