Women Of Team USA Passing The Phone Gives 'Girl Power': See The Video
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on July 25, 2024 at 10:45 AM EDT
For the first time ever, women athletes will share the same spotlight as the men at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a 50:50 allocation, these Games ensure that women's and men's talents are equally celebrated at every event.
Alongside an equal number of men and women athletes, the Paris 2024 schedule boasts a more gender-balanced lineup of medal events. With 152 women's events, 157 men's events, and 20 mixed-gender events, the Games will offer a diverse and exciting showcase of athletic talent.
The NBC Olympics and Team USA shared a joint post celebrating the U.S. Women's Teams by hopping on the latest TikTok "Pass the Phone" trend.
U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics Team Kicks Off The TikTok Trend
The video kicked off with the U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics Team, which is made up of Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, and Hezly Rivera.
Biles held the phone, and the other four ladies stood behind her. The 27-year-old said, "We're the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team, and we're passing the phone to the U.S. Water Polo team." The entire squad then yelled, "Go, U.S.A.!"
U.S. Water Polo Team Hops On The Trend
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The Women's Water Polo team, consisting of goalies Ashleigh Johnson and Amanda Longan, attackers Maddie Musselman, Rachel Fattal, and Kaleigh Gilchrist, and captain Maggie Steffens, then took the phone to continue the trend.
The Women's Water Polo team recently shared how pop icon Taylor Swift has been a huge inspiration for them. Her music, energy, and recent concert in Paris have motivated the team to bring their best to Paris for this year's Olympics.
"We talked about it after [the concert]," team star Maggie Steffens said, per ABC News. "We had a team meeting of, like, if we get the chance to play in La Défense Arena, we want to be like her. We want to be able to love the pressure and be able to perform and have fun and enjoy that moment and make the most of it."
"As bada-- and powerful of a woman as she is, for us to be able to see that in person was pretty magical," Steffens added.
Women's Indoor Volleyball And Women's Rugby Are Up Next
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The U.S. Women's Indoor Volleyball team, which includes Jordan Larson, Chiaka Ogbogu, Haleigh Washington, Jordyn Poulter, Justine Wong-Orantes, Annie Drews, Jordan Thompson, Lauren Carlini, Kathryn Plummer, Avery Skinner, and Dana Rettke, then took the phone. They passed it on to the Women's Rugby team.
The Rugby team is a mix of seasoned pros and newcomers. Alev Kelter and Lauren Doyle are set for their third Olympics, joined by Tokyo 2020 veterans like Kayla Canett, Kristi Kirshe, Ilona Maher, Ariana Ramsey, and Naya Tapper.
New faces like Alena Olsen, Spiff Sedrick, Sammy Sullivan, Sarah Levy, and Steph Rovetti are bringing fresh energy to the squad. Plus, Kris Thomas and Nicole Heavirland, who competed in Tokyo 2020, will be traveling with the team as alternates, ready to jump in if needed.
They passed the phone to the 3x3 Women's Basketball Team.
3x3 Women's Basketball and Women's Field Hockey Chime In
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Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith snagged the phone as they shared their support for Team USA. "We're the Women's 3x3 Basketball Team and we're passing the phone to the U.S. Women's Field Hockey Team," they said in the video.
The U.S. Women's Field Hockey Team consists of Ashley Hoffman, Amanda Golini, Phia Gladieux, Ashley Sessa, Abby Tamer, Beth Yeager, sisters Brooke and Emma DeBerdine, Meredith Sholder, and Maddie Zimmer.
Kelsey Bing is the goalkeeper.
The Women's Team USA Video 'Is Giving Girl Power'
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After seeing the video, sports fans couldn't help but support Team USA. "it’s giving girl power," one user commented. "This is Phenomenal!!!!! Team USA," another said.
"This was awesome!! I love the women supporting women! Go USA," a third wrote, adding an American flag emoji.
"So many great athletes! Thanks for the quick call! You all look strong and ready!" a fourth said.
The 2024 Paris Olympics kick off with its opening ceremony on Friday, July 26.