Alyssa Thomas, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has won her first Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. Women's Basketball Team. The team triumphed over France in a nail-biting match that ended 67-66 at the Paris Olympics. This victory marks the eighth consecutive Olympic gold for the U.S. Women's Basketball Team, extending their winning streak to 61 games since the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Thomas, a Central Dauphin graduate, is the high school's all-time leading scorer. Her journey to the Olympics has been marked by her exceptional performance and dedication to the sport. According to PennLive, the U.S. team's victory was a thrilling one, with WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson leading the rally with a game-high 21 points and 13 rebounds.
The victory also saw Diana Taurasi become the first woman to earn six Olympic gold medals in a team sport. Despite the pressure, the U.S. team managed to hold off France until the final second, securing their win and continuing their impressive streak.
Thomas's gold medal win is a proud moment for her hometown of Harrisburg and her alma mater, Central Dauphin. Her achievement adds to the legacy of U.S. Women's Basketball and sets a high bar for future athletes.