The 2004 Athens Olympics softball tournament saw the US win gold undefeated and Japan's Yukiko Ueno throw the first perfect game in Olympic softball history.
Key Facts
- Gold medalist
- United States
- Silver medalist
- Australia
- Bronze medalist
- Japan
- Teams competing
- 8
- Athletes competing
- 120
- Competition dates
- August 14–23, 2004
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Softball had been added to the Olympic program for women beginning in 1996, making the 2004 Athens Games its third Olympic appearance. Eight national teams qualified to compete at the Helliniko Olympic Complex, continuing the sport's growing presence on the world stage.
The women's softball tournament ran from August 14 to 23 at the Helliniko Olympic Complex. The United States went undefeated through all seven preliminary games and defeated Australia twice in the medal round to claim gold. Japanese pitcher Yukiko Ueno threw a perfect game against China, the first in Olympic softball history.
The United States secured its third consecutive Olympic softball gold medal, reinforcing its dominance in the sport. Japan's bronze and Ueno's historic perfect game elevated the profile of Japanese softball internationally, foreshadowing future competitive success by the Japanese national team at subsequent Olympics.
Result
at Helliniko Olympic Complex Softball Stadium, Athens