McClatchy Washington Bureau

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BEIJING - The youngsters got their first gold medal, Lisa Leslie got her fourth. And USA Basketball couldn't have asked for a better handoff.

The American women won their fourth consecutive Olympic title - pounding Australia 92-65 - and Leslie has been a key element on all those teams. At age 36, she says this is her final Olympics. If so, she knows the team is left in good hands.

Especially the hands of fellow post players Sylvia Fowles and Candace Parker, both WNBA rookies who are expected to be the American anchors inside for the next couple of Olympics. Parker had 14 points and Fowles 13 in the final.

"Everything that comes out of her mouth is very motivational," Fowles said of Leslie. "She said she was very proud of me, and I was very proud of her. She was telling me that I got better since we've played together, and she loved the way I worked. But half of that goes to her, because I admire her and I try to do some of the things she does."

The two players hugged each other with a special solidarity after the game.

"It was a very emotional time at that moment," Fowles said. "We congratulated each other and said how happy we were for each other."

Players like Seimone Augustus and Cappie Pondexter, who also were in their first Olympics, got valuable experience here as well. And first-timer Kara Lawson, who was somewhat a controversial pick to the team, proved her selection was more than valid. Lawson made all five shots and four free throws she attempted in leading the U.S. with 15 points in the gold-medal game.

The United States was upset at the 2006 World Championships by Russia, which was the first major international competition the Americans had lost since their Olympic bronze in 1992.

Leslie wasn't on that 2006 squad, as she opted off the team after her uncle was seriously injured in a car accident. Her absence was felt, and the Australians benefited from the Russians' upset of the United States.

Australia won that world gold, but didn't have to beat the rival U.S. to do it. So this Olympic tournament was the Aussies' chance to finally accomplish that. But the reality is they didn't come close.

Australia trailed 47-30 at halftime, and didn't make any strong push in the second half.

Aussie standout Lauren Jackson led the team with 20 points, but looked understandably downcast at picking up her third Olympic silver medal. The Aussies also were second in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

Jackson will have to undergo surgery now for a persistent ankle problem and isn't expected to return to her WNBA team in Seattle until the playoffs at the earliest. If Seattle makes it to the postseason without her, that is.

Leslie, Parker and DeLisha Milton-Jones all return to the Los Angeles Sparks with hopes of contending for a WNBA title. For Leslie, that would be just one more accolade in an amazing career.

"I put this uniform on when I was in the 11th grade, and I worked my way up to the national team," Leslie said of her time with USA Basketball. "I've had the opportunity to play with so many great players."

Just as important for the U.S. program, though, is that so many players have had the opportunity to play with Leslie.

"She's going to be in my ear for the next few years," Fowles said. "I'll make sure we keep in touch. If (a torch) is handed off, I don't have any choice but to take it and run with it."

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Becky Hammon, whose decision to play for Russia in these Olympics caused so much stir, led that team to the bronze medal with a 94-81 victory over China. She had 22 points and now heads back to her San Antonio team, which leads the WNBA's Western Conference.