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Dreaming a golden finish

AFP, Washington
American Mia Hamm, the most prolific scorer in history for men or women, makes her football farewell at the Athens Olym-pics. She is hoping to conclude her legendary 17-year career with a golden goodbye.
The 32-year-old forward, who has 150 goals and more than 250 caps in international competition, seeks a triumphant sendoff as she prepares to spend more time with her family instead of globetrotting with her soccer sisterhood.
"Am I going to miss it? Absolutely. But I just know it's right," Hamm said.
"I get pangs in my heart when I call my sister and talk to my nephews or when I see them and they have grown another six inches. I want to be part of their lives."
Hamm sparked the US team to Women's World Cup titles in the 1991 debut event and again in 1999 on home soil. She also led the US team to gold in the inaugural Olympic women's final in 1996.
Hamm was named Women's Football Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002, the first time FIFA handed out such an award for female players.
"I just hope the sport is better because of something I've done,"
Hamm said.
Hamm, who married American baseball star Nomar Garciaparra last November, is an icon to millions of boys and girls, some of whom are now Olympic teammates.
"Mia has been a pioneer for being strong, competitive, athletic and still feminine," US defender Kate Markgraf said.
"She let us know it was OK to be competitive and try to kill someone on the field and still be a woman off the field."
Hamm's impact has increased opportunities for women around the world in all sports.
"She's a true ambassador for women's sports," said American softball pitcher Jennie Finch. "That whole Women's World Cup the US team won, that brought so much
exposure for women's sports."
But the US women have not won a major title since that landmark shootout final triumph over China. They lost to Norway in the 2000 Olympic final and to eventual winner Germany in the 2003 Women's World Cup semi-finals.
Hamm hopes to help change that even if she lacks the top form of years past.
"There are definitely some aspects of my game that are not the same anymore," Hamm said. "I dont recover like I used to. But if I didnt feel I could help the team, I wouldnt be out there."
Hamm became the youngest player in US national team history when she debuted on August 3,1987, at 15 years and 140 days in a 2-0 victory over China at Tianjin.
On May 16, 1999, Hamm became the top scorer in international football history with her 108th career goal in a 3-0 victory over Brazil in Orlando, Florida, in a Women's World Cup tuneup match.
Hamm led the Washington Freedom to the Women's United Soccer Association title in 2003 just before the league folded. She hopes to lead a revival, but if not plans to stay somehow attached to the game she loves.
"Soccer has been a big part of my life. You can't turn it off. It's not a clean cut," Hamm said.
"I'll still be involved with the sport. But I'm excited not to get kicked for a while."