U.S. Women's Water Polo Team Faces Tough Road to Fourth Olympic Gold

The U.S. women's water polo team, aiming for their fourth consecutive Olympic gold in Paris, faces their toughest challenge yet with a new squad. Led by record-holder Maggie Steffens, the team must navigate a highly competitive field. Steffens attributes past successes to a strong team-first culture.

The U.S. women's water polo team is setting its sights on an unprecedented fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris, even as they face formidable competition and a revamped roster. This new challenge is the most difficult they've ever encountered.

Women's water polo became an Olympic sport in 2000, and while Australia, Italy, and the Netherlands initially dominated, the U.S. has reigned supreme since 2012, led by captain Maggie Steffens. Steffens, the all-time record goal-scorer at the Olympics with 56 goals in 19 matches, will look to extend her tally in Paris amidst a competitive field.

Steffens believes the team's success is rooted in a long-standing culture of hard work and teamwork. However, she acknowledges that the path to a fourth gold will be fraught with obstacles, as the team faces strong contenders like Greece, Spain, Italy, and France in their bracket. Every game will need to be approached as if it were a gold medal match.

(With inputs from agencies.)