One game after dethroning two-time defending Olympic champions Norway in the semifinal round, Russia claimed gold for themselves by defeating France 22-19 in the women’s handball gold medal game.
Anna Vyakhireva scored five goals, and Polina Kuznetsova and Daria Dmitrieva added four apiece for the Russians, who last won a medal in women’s handball in 2008 (bronze). The Soviet Union took gold in the first two Olympic women’s handball tournaments, in 1976 and 1980. Russia beat France twice during these Olympic, winning by one in their meeting during pool play.
Russia led by as much as four goals in the first half before taking a 10-7 lead into the intermission.