LSU star Hailey Van Lith made history at the 2024 Olympic Games by becoming the first Horned Frog athlete to win an Olympic medal. After winning the bronze medal for the 3×3 basketball tournament, the athletes revealed how she channeled the late Kobe Bryant during her final match in Paris.
Van Lith, the only active collegiate player on the US roster, showcased her remarkable skills and leadership throughout the competition. Despite an early setback, the American squad regrouped and secured their spot in the playoff round, defeating formidable opponents such as China, Spain, and Canada along the way.
In the semifinal matchup, the US team faced off against Spain in a thrilling overtime battle, ultimately falling 18-16. Undeterred, they bounced back to defeat Germany and claim the bronze medal, cementing their place on the podium.
Van Lith’s performance was instrumental to the team’s success, as she led the squad in cumulative scoring over the course of the 10-game tournament. Her competitive drive and mental toughness were on full display, as she embraced the pressure of the Olympic stage.
Hailey Van Lith Channels Kobe Bryant After Getting Bronze Medal in Paris Olympics
After her final match against Canada, Lith was asked various questions by the media. In a post shared by Bleacher Report on X, the Olympian shares how the inspiration she felt from Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant during that game.
HVL says USA’s WBB 3×3 squad channeled it’s inner Mamba following it’s 18-16 semifinal loss to Spain 🐍
They wrapped up Olympic play winning bronze today vs. Canada 🥉👏
(via @FIBA3x3) pic.twitter.com/mj0FbtNySG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 6, 2024
Before making it to the Olympics, Van Lith stood out in the college basketball scene for her stints with Louisville and LSU. In the four years she played at the collegiate level, the guard averaged 14.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
This achievement caps off an impressive collegiate career for Van Lith, who has already amassed over 1,900 points, 500 rebounds, and 350 assists while playing for TCU, LSU, and Louisville. With Kobe Bryant’s legacy as her inspiration, her Olympic success has further solidified the athlete s as one of the rising stars in women’s basketball.
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