PARIS (AP) — A’ja Wilson scored 21 points and the U.S. women’s basketball team survived the biggest challenge of its unprecedented run to eight straight Olympic gold medals with a 67-66 win over France at the Paris Games on Sunday.

No team had been able to push the Americans during this impressive streak of 61 consecutive wins. Only two of those victories had been by single digits before the game against France.

The eight straight golds broke a tie with the American men’s program that won seven in a row from 1936-68. The women’s victory came less than 24 hours after the U.S. men’s team also beat France in the title game. This was the first time in Olympic history that both gold medal games featured the same two teams.

Unlike the men’s game this one came down to the final minute and one last shot by France that was just inside the 3-point line.

The Americans were up 67-64 with 3.9 seconds left after Kahleah Copper hit two free throws. Marine Johannes brought the ball up the court to Gabby Williams who caught the ball just inside the 3-point line and banked in over the outstreched arms of Breanna Srewart for the final margin.

There was a brief delay before the officials signaled that it was a two-point shot, which led to the beginning of a celebration and a lot of happy hugs for the Americans and left the French players standing in disbelief as they fell just short.

Williams, who finished with 19 points, had hit a deep 3 a few seconds earlier to get France within one before Copper’s free throws.

With the victory, Diana Taurasi earned a sixth consecutive gold medal, making her the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history. She surpassed longtime teammate Sue Bird, who won five during her career.

Australia beat Belgium earlier Sunday to claim the women’s bronze medal with Ezi Magbegor leading the way with 30 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. It was Australia’s first podium finish since 2012.

Team USA continued their dominance in women’s basketball by winning their eighth consecutive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The team defeated France in a thrilling final match, solidifying their status as the best in the world.

Led by superstar players such as Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Diana Taurasi, Team USA showcased their talent and teamwork throughout the tournament. They breezed through the group stage and knockout rounds, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with France in the gold medal game.

The final match was a closely contested affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. However, Team USA’s experience and skill ultimately proved to be too much for France to handle. Stewart, who was named the tournament’s MVP, put on a stellar performance with 24 points and 10 rebounds, leading her team to a 90-75 victory.

The win not only secured Team USA’s eighth consecutive gold medal in women’s basketball, but also extended their overall Olympic winning streak to 55 games. This remarkable achievement cements their legacy as one of the greatest teams in the history of the sport.

The players and coaching staff were understandably ecstatic after the game, celebrating their hard-earned victory and reflecting on the journey that led them to this moment. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to represent their country on the world stage and their pride in bringing home yet another gold medal.

As they bask in the glory of their success, Team USA can now look forward to continuing their dominance in women’s basketball and inspiring future generations of players to strive for greatness. Their legacy is secure, and their place in Olympic history is assured.