![Japan downs USA by 3-1 in softball final thus obtains the gold for this event. After the victory celebration ceremony, players of both team make a '2016' pattern with the balls, wishing this event, which is planned to miss the 2012 London Games, will make its return in 2016 Olympics. [Xinhua]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080822/001372acd0b50a18670b0f.jpg "Japan downs USA by 3-1 in softball final thus obtains the gold for this event. After the victory celebration ceremony, players of both team make a '2016' pattern with the balls, wishing this event, which is planned to miss the 2012 London Games, will make its return in 2016 Olympics. [Xinhua]") |
| Japan downs USA by 3-1 in softball final thus obtains the gold for this event. After the victory celebration ceremony, players of both team make a "2016" pattern with the balls, wishing this event, which is planned to miss the 2012 London Games, will make its return in 2016 Olympics. [Xinhua] |
American softballer Jessica Mendoza said, "It's interesting because everyone says all the time that we win and no one can compete. It was proven today that other teams can win. The sport should remain. It's global. It's been a beautiful last two weeks of softball."
In fact, The U.S. softball team hopes to use Beijing as a world class stage to showcase the sport and prove it belongs in the Olympics.
"The IOC (International Olympic Committee) took my softball dreams away. You know, and that is like a knife to the heart," said American ace pitcher Jennie Finch.
Crystl Bustos said, "what we have got to do is ask the people that are voting, that do not really quite understand, to come out, watch the sport."