Revealed: Why this stunning photo of an Aussie Paris Olympics star completely breaking down on the team bus is NOT what it seems
- Abby Andrews was overcome with emotion after event
- Display came as Australia has its best Olympics ever
Any Aussie fan who sees the raw image showing water polo star Abby Andrews breaking into uncontrollable tears on the team bus would be justified in thinking she's just been on the end of a devastating loss - but the opposite is true.
Andrews, 23, was a key figure in the team's epic penalty-shootout win against the US, scoring three goals as her team clawed their way back from 5-2 down in the third period of play on Thursday.
Her finesse in front of goal gave the Aussies a fighting chance against the might of America, who were gunning for their fourth straight Olympic title.
The Stingers eventually prevailed 14-13 in La Defense Arena, sparking euphoric scenes poolside in Paris.
And the enormity of the achievement wasn't lost on teammate Tilly Kearns, who uploaded the emotional snap of Andrews to Instagram.
The moving photo came with the accompanying caption: 'first time for Australia in 24 years....1 more to get #olympics.'
In what was a famous win, Bec Rippon's squad are the first Australian women's side to reach the final since the Sydney Games in 2000, when the sport was first introduced for women at Olympic level.
'I remember sitting in that grandstand in Sydney as a kid,' Rippon said post game.
A raw image showing Stingers star Abby Andrews crying tears of joy on the team bus has left Aussie sports fans feeling fiercely patriotic
The Stingers eventually prevailed 14-13 in a penalty shootout against the might of the US, setting up a gold medal game against Spain
'Those players [from the 2000 Games] are still out there inspiring us.
'We look up to them and we are inspired by them....but we are trying to just make sure we drive it ourselves and we create our own slice of history and leave a legacy.'
Incredibly, the likes of Andrews and Kearns - the daughter of Wallabies legend Phil - weren't even born when Australia last snared gold in the women's water polo.
Goalkeeper Gabriella Palm was also immense for the Stingers, with her clutch moment in the shootout to deny US star Maddie Musselman the difference.
Spain - who are also unbeaten in Paris - beat the Netherlands 19-18 in another shoot-out game to set up a mouthwatering final against the Aussies.
Action begins at 11.35pm AEST on Saturday, August 10.
