Alex Sedrick Steamrolls Australia To Win Bronze Medal For U.S.A. Rugby Sevens

PARIS, France – Salt Lake native Alex Sedrick turned inevitable defeat into a victory celebration as she sprinted the length of the field for a bronze medal-winning try. Sedrick powered through an Australian defender and saw only green grass between her and the try zone. The U.S. claims the bronze with a 14-12 score.

It is the first women’s rugby sevens Olympic medal in U.S. history.

RELATED: U.S. Women Fall In Rugby Sevens Semifinal, Will Play For Bronze

That’s my niece!!!!! 💪🏽🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Alex “Spiff” Sedrick!!! #TeamSpiff 2 wins today, scored in both games. Next game tomorrow morning early 6:30A AZ time! Go USA! @USARugby pic.twitter.com/OssdyPNY0t

— Phil & Benj Medlock (@MedlockOhana) July 28, 2024

Two players with Utah ties are on the Team U.S.A. roster. Former BYU women’s basketball player Steph Rovetti and Herriman High graduate Alex Sedrick came off the bench midway through the second half.

ALEX SEDRICK WALKS IT OFF FOR BRONZE 🥉!!!

She bulls over a defender and takes it the length of the field in the final seconds.

The U.S. wins its FIRST EVER medal in Women’s Rugby at the Olympics.

The one known as “Spiff” is forever an American icon. pic.twitter.com/5LxAlKVbMf

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) July 30, 2024

First Half

The Aussies struck first, slicing through the United States defense for a try from Maddison Levi. It was the 13th try of the 2024 Paris Olympics for Levi. Australia led 7-0 after the conversion.

Two minutes later, Teagan Levi received a yellow card. The card allowed the U.S. to enjoy a player advantage for two minutes.

RELATED: Team USA Women’s Rugby Sevens Defeats Britain In Quarter-Finals

It’s official, @FlavorFlav is a USA women’s rugby stan. pic.twitter.com/mNSlisH34K

— USA Rugby (@USARugby) July 30, 2024

The United States made a valiant effort to get on the scoreboard with two minutes left in the half, but Australia’s defense made a try-saving tackle at the goal line. Moments later, Alev Kelter split two defenders for a late try. The conversion tied the match at seven.

Second Half

Australia had a chance to take a lead with a try early in the half, but a dropped pass at the goal line handed the ball back to Team U.S.A.

RELATED: Former Utah Utes Lead Canadian Women’s Basketball 3×3 In Historic Win

Australia finally broke the scoring drought when Levi went on a quick restart. One pass led to the second try of the match and a 12-7 Australia lead.

Writing their names into @USARugby history 🇺🇸

A bronze medal performance at #Paris2024 to bring their tournament to a close 🥉#RugbySevens pic.twitter.com/NqncLJtGFz

— Rugby Sevens (@SVNSSeries) July 30, 2024

With their backs against the wall and the clock winding down, Alex Sedrick ran over a defender on a match-winning try run. The try and conversion clinched the bronze medal for the U.S. with a 14-12 win.

Follow The 2024 Summer Olympics With KSL Sports

The 2024 Paris Olympics occurs Friday, July 26, through Sunday, August 11. The Paris Games comprises 329 events across 19 days, with 754 competitions and ceremonies for over 10,000 athletes.

Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering the Utah State Aggies, Locals in MLB, and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees, Beehive baseball, and Aggie athletics coverage here.

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