The US women's soccer team's 2019 World Cup victory is an especially huge win for the line-up's gay players, who have spoken proudly of their sexual orientation in a sport where homosexuality is still a taboo.
"Go gays!" cheered Megan Rapinoe, the US team's star striker, who was awarded the Golden Boot and Golden Ball and who scored one of the side's winning goals in the final on Sunday.
"You can't win a championship without gays on your team -- it's never been done before, ever. That's science, right there!" she quipped.
The line may have been tongue in cheek, but it still carried a lot of significance, noted Dawn Ennis of Outsports, a media outlet specializing in sexual minorities in sports.
"Being authentic, being yourself, being true, makes you a better person," Ennis said.
"It must make you a better athlete when you are not worrying about hiding a secret about who you are."
Adams said the trend would only continue to grow: "They showed other countries that have closeted people and athletes that you can be your most authentic self and play among the best. It does amazing things for visibility."
- Where are the men? -
======================
"I take more energy from that than from trying to prove anyone wrong. That's draining on yourself. But for me, to be gay and fabulous, during Pride month at the World Cup, is nice."
"They are owning their identity and their orientation."
Does that mean the US will now be ready to totally accept gay players?
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content