Led by veterans Maggie Steffens, Kami Craig and Ashleigh Johnson between the posts for a new-look squad in what is expected to be the toughest field yet assembled on this stage under unique circumstances at an Olympics destined largely without fans or fanfare, the United States women’s water polo team will aim for its first gold medal four times running.
Women’s water polo joined the Olympic programme in 2000, with Australia, Italy and The Netherlands claiming gold at Sydney.
But all have been left behind in the gold medal match since London 2012, as current captain Maggie Steffens led United States to three straight titles.
No Olympic footballer, man or woman, has scored more goals at the Games than her 56 in just 19 games and she will extend that today but says it is not an easy path to glory this time around.
Steffens said: Right now, you look at every Olympics as a new Olympics with their own identity and story line. The USA women’s water polo team is in an Olympics for the first time together. ” Some players may have, but this is a new road for these guys.
