Russian Federation won their first Olympic gold medal in women’s handball on Saturday, overcoming France 22-19 in a tight, fast-paced final in front of a rapturous crowd.
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Denmark beat the defending champions France, who won gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games. “We had everything to win, and nothing to lose, not like France”. Denmark took the lead in the first half, opened up a five-goal advantage with 10 minutes to go and held off a French comeback.
Serbia won the first two Olympic medals in women’s team sports Saturday, with the volleyball team’s silver being earned hours after the basketball team took bronze.
Russian Federation conceded first on Saturday, but after drawing level they were never behind again, Daria Dmitrieva and Polina Kuznetsova scoring four apiece in support of Vyakhireva.
“Everything is like a dream”.
As the undefeated team throughout the tournament, the team walks away with the gold medal in hand and the bragging rights to say they are the first Russian team to become Olympic champions.
Norway bounced back from their semi-final defeat to secure a podium finish for the third consecutive Games.
The gold medal match against France was no different.
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Denmark’s Mikkel Hansen celebrates with the Danish flag after winning the final handball match between Denmark and France at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016.
