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Bird, Taurasi earn spots on fifth US Olympic basketball team

US Roster Basketball
Posted at 6:31 PM, Jun 22, 2021
and last updated 2021-06-22 19:31:38-04

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi will try and become the first five-time Olympic gold medalists in women's basketball as they lead the U.S. team during the Tokyo Games.

The duo was selected Monday for their fifth Olympics, joining Teresa Edwards as the only basketball players to play in five Olympics in U.S. history.

Edwards won four gold medals and a bronze during her illustrious career.

Bird and Taurasi will lead a veteran group, including Sylvia Fowles.

The 6-foot-6 center will be playing in her fourth Olympics.

Tina Charles will be in her third while Brittney Griner and Breanna Stewart are back for a second time.

There will also be six newcomers to the Olympic stage, that group led by reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson.

According to the Associated Press, former WNBA MVPs Elena Delle Donne and Nneka Ogwumike didn't make the roster.

Donne, who hasn't played all season, is recovering from back surgery, and Ogwumike suffered a left knee sprain earlier this month.

The AP reported that Team USA, who haven't lost in the Olympics since 1992, has won six straight gold medals.