Alex Sedrick ran the length of the pitch in the final play, then converted her own try, to give the United States a shock 14-12 victory over Australia in the bronze playoff and claim the country's first-ever medal in Olympic rugby sevens on Tuesday.
It was the second stunning setback in the day for Australia, the season's grand final champions and 2016 gold medallists, who were beaten by Canada 21-12 in the semifinals after leading 12-0.
Australia will wonder how they lost a match they dominated, but uncharacteristic errors cost them dear.
Stunning scenes at Stade de France as USA shock Australia to win the bronze medal 😲🥉
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 30, 2024
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The incredible Maddison Levi scored with her first touch of the ball, ghosting past a defender as if she were made of stone, to extend her remarkable Olympic record to 13 tries at a single Games.
Her sister Teagan was sinbinned and the US found the consequent space for the powerful Alev Kelter to force herself over the line and level it up at 7-7 at halftime.
Almost the entire second half was played in the US half but Australia blew two great chances with a wild final pass.
Levi did eventually cross for her 14th but, just when the win seemed secure, the US struck from nowhere.
Sedrick broke a tackle in front of her own posts and raced clear to score under the posts to level it at 12-12. She then slotted the conversion for a famous victory.
Tokyo runners-up France, surprisingly beaten by Canada in the quarterfinals, overpowered China 21-7 in the 5th/6th playoff, while Britain were too strong for Ireland at 28-12 in the 7th/8th match.
