Explained: Why Emma Hayes did not receive gold medal after leading USWNT to fifth Olympics title in Paris

The United States are back on top of the world, with a fifth Olympics crown being captured, following a 1-0 win over Brazil in a keenly-contested final at Parc des Princes in Paris that saw Mallory Swanson net the decisive goal.

At the end of a gruelling competition, 18 jubilant players were presented with golden mementos. Hayes and her coaching staff were, however, not even invited to the podium during celebrations. That is because the International Olympic Committee does not recognise the efforts of coaches – with a lot of their events rewarding individual excellence.

If the IOC were to hand out medals to coaches in team sports, then those involved with elite athletes from sprinting to archery could argue that they are just as deserving of recognition. Hayes is revelling in her success regardless, posting on social media after savouring Olympic glory: “Gold Babyyyyyy. These women are so worth it.”

Hayes has also told Sky News of not getting another medal to add to the collection that she built up while in charge of WSL title holders Chelsea: “I’ve got memories. At the end of the day, I coached an Olympic gold medal-winning team. I don’t need a medal for that. These people have really opened up and I’ve enjoyed being in their presence and their company. For me, that’s even more valuable than a medal.”

The Olympic Games saw Hayes take charge of her first competitive fixtures as USWNT boss, and she has already made quite the impact. She is working on a contract through to 2027 – the year in which the United States will attempt to wrestle a World Cup trophy back on Brazilian soil.