Entering the first Olympic softball tournament in 1996, the United States were the favorites, having won every international competition in which they participated for the prior ten years.
[7] At the 2004 Summer Olympics, the United States earned their third consecutive gold medal, winning all nine games and only allowing one run the entire tournament.
[12] The United States won silver, and the Australian team bronze, to become the only countries to win a medal in all four Olympic softball tournaments.
[13] IOC President Jacques Rogge said they were "looking for an added value – wide appeal, especially for young people".
[15] Five nations have won medals in softball at the Olympics; the United States, China, Australia, Japan, and Canada.