RIO DE JANEIRO -- Maggie Steffens and the U.S. womens water polo team stood on the top step of the podium and belted out the national anthem through a mixture of smiles and tears.Italy and Russia stood on each side of the Americans, and they might as well have been miles away.The dominant U.S. womens teams in gymnastics, basketball and swimming have some company. The womens water polo team, hailing almost exclusively from California, beat Italy 12-5 on Friday for its second straight gold medal, and there are signs it could replicate the sustained success of some of Americas most famous Olympic juggernauts.We could, goaltender Ashleigh Johnson said. But some of our girls arent coming back, and they already know that. It wont be the same team. This team will never be the same team again.The U.S. closed its schedule with 22 straight wins, rolling through its six games in Rio by a combined score of 73-32. It currently holds each of the major crowns in womens water polo, adding a second Olympic gold to its world championship, World Cup and World League Super Final titles.The ease with which it dispatched with the eight-team field in Rio -- the Americans held the lead after 23 of their 24 quarters and trailed for a total of 44 seconds -- made a case for this team being the best ever assembled in the sport.I think you could make a strong argument, coach Adam Krikorian said. That 2012 team in the last games I love to death, they were a gritty, hard-nosed, tough crew, but this team has done some special things.Said Italy coach Fabio Conti: USA is, in this moment, a team of another universe.While the 2012 gold medalists were a veteran crew, the U.S. had nine newcomers this year, including teenagers Maddie Musselman and sisters Makenzie and Aria Fischer. Musselman scored 12 goals and made the all-tournament team, and Makenzie Fischer scored seven times.Johnson, the first black woman to play water polo for the United States in the Olympics, turns 22 next month. Steffens, the MVP of the last two games, is just 23 and sounded ready to sign up for Tokyo right away.I dont know whats going to happen in the next four years, Steffens said, but this is too incredible, incredible of an opportunity to call yourself an Olympian with a team, a real team, not just people that are thrown together, but a team that has grown together, to pass up again. So I for sure would love to be back in this situation in four years.The big question is the status of Krikorian, who said he wasnt sure if he would continue with the national team. Krikorians brother, Blake, died right before the start of the Olympics, starting an emotional time for the former UCLA coach, culminating with the victory in the final.Krikorian is beloved by his players, who rallied to his side when he returned to Rio after going home to spend time with his family, and his departure could alter the trajectory of the program.I love coaching. I love this team, Krikorian said. I love having an impact on young people. I love leading. That doesnt mean that this is what Im going to do the rest of my life. I think I need to figure that out. I think its always good to keep your options open and see what else is out there.---Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap Matt Williams Jersey .com) - The Montreal Canadiens embark on their first road trip of the season as they head out west to battle the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. Willie Mays Jersey . 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He has three goals and five assists through 36 games with the Leafs this season.Jenson Button believes he is as good as it gets when it comes to delivering on and off the track in Formula 1 - and new drivers will find it difficult to be the full package. The 36-year-old spoke to Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Australian GP about his future with McLaren, and was also asked whether his personable character in the paddock gave the impression that he wasnt angry, or hungry enough, to succeed.Button, who enjoys a strong relationship with sponsors such as Santander, claims he doesnt need to prove his desire to anyone after 16 years in the sport and that newcomers on the grid will discover that its not just about being fast. Jenson Button speaks to Damon Hill about re-signing with McLaren and the state of F1 If you cant be a different person out of the car, thats a weakness, the 2009 world champion told Sky F1s Damon Hill in an exclusive interview.I personally feel that when you get in the car you are a certain type of person. You give it your all, you give it your maximum and I feel that theres no one better than me at doing that through a race weekend. When is Bahrain GP on Sky? All the times you need for the second race of the 2016 season. When youre out of the car, you have to be a different personnality or else the sponsors dont want to work with you, the partners dont want to work with you and your career is very short, however good you are on track.ddddddddddddou need to be the full package and thats something you work over time and thats something the new kids will have to learn very quickly with the way the business this is. Its not the easiest place to find sponsors and partners in the sport for teams. They need drivers that are not only quick on the circuit but are publicly very good, very confident and someone they can relate to.Button almost quit the sport last season but says he was convinced to renew his partnership with Fernando Alonso, 35, after McLaren and Honda proved they were serious about returning to the front of the grid.A keen triathlete, Button now sees no reason why he and his Spanish team-mate cant remain in F1 for many years to come and doubts younger drivers will be able to have as long a stay. Id be surprised if the 18, 19-year-olds who come into the sport now could have a 17-year long career in the sport, because the world has changed. I think thats where Ive been lucky - Ive been able to grow over the years, not just into a good racing driver but the full package that you need to succeed in the sport.Its the same with Fernando. Its why weve been around for so long and why teams still want us to race for them even though were old at 35 and 36. The important thing is to stay on top of your fitness and stay on top of every aspect - then theres no reason to stop. Every race live in 2016 Sky Sports F1 brings you every race live in 2016. Fast and easy online upgrade - click here. Also See: Sky extends F1 deal until 2024 When is the Bahrain GP on Sky F1? ' ' '