Storm stars medal in London

Published 10:46 pm Saturday, August 11, 2012

The United States women’s basketball national team made history on Saturday by winning its fifth-consecutive gold medal in Olympic competition with an 86-50 victory over France in the Gold Medal Game. The French took home the medal.

Earlier in the day, Australia defeated Russia 83-74 to earn the bronze medal. Storm center Lauren Jackson led the way for the Australians, scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Candace Parker led the Americans to victory, scoring 21 points, including eight-straight during a key second quarter run that helped the U.S. pull away. Storm point guard Sue Bird scored 11 points in the win, and won her third consecutive Olympic gold medal.

Bird is joined by Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi and Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings as the only players on the U.S. roster this year to win gold in 2004, 2008 and 2012.