The US women’s water polo team, a program known for its consistent success, faced a disappointing end to their Paris Olympics campaign. Their pursuit of a historic fourth consecutive gold medal fell short, leaving them empty-handed after a heartbreaking loss in the bronze medal game. The team, which had medaled in every women’s water polo tournament since the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics in 2000, suffered a 11-10 defeat to the Netherlands in a match decided in the final seconds. The US’s quest for an unprecedented feat ended with a fourth-place finish, highlighting the challenges of maintaining their long-standing dominance in the sport.
The team arrived in Paris with high expectations, aiming to extend their streak of gold medals. While they downplayed the significance of their streak, the pressure was undeniable. The US squad faced adversity throughout the tournament, including a surprising loss to Spain in the group stage, which served as a warning sign of the challenges ahead. Despite a dominant victory over Italy and France, the team struggled to regain their usual form. The quarterfinals saw a narrow victory against Hungary, requiring 17 saves from Ashleigh Johnson to secure a 5-4 win. In the semifinals, they led Australia 8-6 in the fourth quarter but ultimately lost in a penalty shootout.
The bronze medal match followed a similar pattern. Despite a 7-3 lead at halftime, the US faltered in the final quarter, allowing the Netherlands to score five unanswered goals, including the game-winning goal in the last second. Captain Maggie Steffens acknowledged the team’s struggle to learn from their mistakes, stating, “We’ve talked about just trying to learn from our mistakes and getting better. And I feel today we struggled to continually learn from our mistakes.”
The team’s performance has raised questions about the future of US water polo. Coach Adam Krikorian, who has led the team to Olympic success for over a decade, has expressed a willingness to step down after this disappointing result. His future, along with the futures of veteran players like Steffens and Johnson, remain uncertain. The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles offer a potential opportunity for redemption, but the team will need to regroup and address the challenges they faced in Paris. With the disappointment of Paris behind them, the US women’s water polo team faces a crucial period of reflection and rebuilding, determining their path forward in pursuit of future success.
