Saved the Best for Last
TOKYO – For the first time, the United States has won gold in indoor women's volleyball, defeating Brazil, 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-14) at Ariake Arena.
Stanford alumna Foluke Akinradewo ('09) can add gold to her Olympic medal collection, which already includes silver (2012) and bronze (2016). She is now the most-decorated Olympian from Stanford in the sport of indoor women's volleyball.
"Five medals out of the 11 Olympics, but no gold," said U.S. Head Coach Karch Kiraly, who was asked why he cried after the match. "It was a very powerful emotion that overcame me to help this program in this 12th Olympics finally become Olympic champion."
The U.S. Women led Brazil in kills (46-32), blocks (8-6) and aces (2-1), while hitting .418 as a team. Akinradewo scored five points on four kills and one block.
The United States finished with a 7-1 record in Tokyo. Before Sunday, the U.S. Women had won three Olympic silver medals and two bronze.
Olympian. Gold medalist. Mom. @fakinradewo has all the titles. #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/hisxNOPjyh
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 9, 2021