Basketball player Stefanie Dolson has become the first out American athlete to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. British diver Tom Daley has also won a gold medal so far.
With over 160 out athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics, Dolson isn’t the first member of “Team LGBTQ” to win a gold medal, but along with teammates Allisha Gray, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum, she brought Team USA the win for 3-on-3 basketball’s first time as an Olympic sport.
Related: Soccer player Quinn becomes the first trans athlete to compete at the Olympics
“It’s always special to be the first of anything,” Dolson said after the winning match against the Russian Olympic Committee. “Basketball runs deep in the USA blood. For us to have this accomplishment as well and hopefully start something is really special.”
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Dolson plays for the Chicago Sky WNBA team and is known as “Big Mama Stef.”
American swimmer Erica Sullivan and softball players Ally Carda, Amanda Chidester, and Haylie McCleney have won silver medals for Team USA.
A feeling no one can ever take away… Congratulations, @bigmamastef, and @usab3x3! 🏅#Herstorymade pic.twitter.com/OuppZTSylL
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) July 28, 2021
*Clears throat*
We're proud to present your first-ever gold medalists in 3×3 basketball 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RuDrWhdsf7
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) July 28, 2021
These four. History makers. Olympic champions. 🙌
🥇 @Graytness_15 @Kelseyplum10 @bigmamastef @JackieYoung3
🇺🇸 #Tokyo2020 #3×3 pic.twitter.com/FjiQeoFE8J
— USA Basketball 3×3 (@usab3x3) July 28, 2021
Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected to reflect the correct spelling of Dolson’s name.