Aussie women win third hockey gold in four Olympics

Australia reinforced their status as the greatest women's hockey side in history with a 3-1 win over Argentina in the gold medal match on Friday.

Inspired by brilliant play from former captain Rechelle Hawkes, Claire Mitchell-Taverner and Nikki Hudson, Australia added the Sydney 2000 title to their victories in Seoul in 1988 and Atlanta four years ago.

Australia dominated the match from the outset, opening the scoring in the 10th minute through Alyson Annan and extending their lead to 2-0 when Juliet Haslam scored in the 26th minute.

A penalty corner conversion by Jenny Morris three minutes into the second half made it 3-0, before Vanina Oneto got one back for Argentina in the 44th minute.

The win was the perfect send-off for coach Ric Charlesworth, who has overseen an unprecedented era of success in the last six years.

Playing in her fourth Olympics, Hawkes joined swimmer Dawn Fraser and equestrian Andrew Hoy as the only Australians to have won three gold medals.

Netherlands beat Spain 2-0 in the bronze medal play-off.

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