OLYMPIC HISTORY

Softball had its Olympic debut in Atlanta, 1996, where, to the surprise of few, the US emerged winners. It is not for nothing that the type of softball played at the Olympics is known as fast-pitch softball. The fastest pitch thrown in Atlanta was clocked at 118kph, though most elite pitchers come in at a little over 100kph.

Until 1995, the US had notched up a 109-game winning streak. Before the Games in Atlanta, the US was beaten by China, but Australia was the only team to beat the US during the Games. China then beat Australia for the silver behind the US.

In Sydney, Tanya Harding leads a tough Australia squad that could challenge for the title with the US, Japan and China.