At the age of 42, she was the oldest player in the squad, 3 years older than LeBron James, who participated in his 4th Olympics. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has won 4 medals, but unlike Diana Taurasi, he earned a bronze in the 2004 Olympics. At the time, DT was the youngest player on the team (22) playing alongside Dawn Staley. In 2021, Staley would successfully coach the Mercury star and Team USA for another gold medal.

In 2004, she not only made her WNBA debut but also her Olympics debut. Even Michael Jordan only played in 15 seasons and 2 Olympics. Before the Paris Olympics, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird were tied with 5 Olympic golds each. Taurasi surpassed her when the USA beat the France team in Paris in a nail-biting 67-66 game.

Diana Taurasi stands alone at the top of Olympic basketball lore as she is the first player to win six gold medals. Heading into this year’s Olympics, she started in all 20 WNBA games averaging 29.6 minutes per game. She scored 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists. The U.S. women’s national team committee chair Jen Rizzotti was very upbeat about Taurasi’s selection. “We knew Diana’s basketball ability would be clutch for us in so many moments, but we also knew that her leadership was something this team didn’t have.”

The U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve also emphasized why the veteran guard was important for the team and said, “She’s ran the gamut. And, you know, in her final Olympics, the mark that she’s making in terms of leadership and just sharing the knowledge that she has.” After the game, Diana Taurasi let the emotions out.”Twenty years of putting this jersey on is truly a dream come true.” She continued, “It’s an honor to share the court with the best in the world for 20 years.”

How Diana Taurasi surpassed MJ and LeBron to win more Olympic medals

LeBron made his debut in the league in 2003, and a year later was part of the Athens Olympics. However, as recalled by his teammates Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, they were last-minute additions. We all know how the campaign ended with a bronze medal. The Akron native would redeem his effort in 2008 and also win another gold in 2012. But, he missed two Olympics in 2016 and 2020 citing fatigue issues. He then made a comeback in 2024 and added another gold medal to his tally.

The case of Michael Jordan is a curious one. He would make his Olympic debut and professional debut in the same year as Diana Taurasi but due to the scheduling of the NBA, he made his national team debut at the Los Angeles games. At the time, professional players weren’t allowed to participate in the Olympics. So after eventually winning the gold in 1984, MJ did not participate in 1988. The ‘Dream Team’ was formed because of Magic Johnson, as he convinced Jordan to gear up for the country despite a few injury issues.

The Bulls legend passed up the opportunity to play again to keep his body in check but also let the youngsters take over the reins and experience the campaign. Ultimately, Diana Taurasi was able to navigate the injuries over her 20-year professional career. Thus, discipline and the sacrifices made, helped her reach the top of the mountain with 6 gold Olympic Medals.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.