The USA beat Japan 2-1 at Wembley to avenge their 2011 World Cup final defeat and claim their fourth Olympic gold in women's football.
Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the US, an early header and a powerful strike after the break.
Yuki Ogimi scored to reduce the deficit for Japan, who hit the opposition woodwork twice and their own once.
Japan had a chance to equalise late in the game but Hope Solo made an excellent save to deny Mana Iwabuchi.
It was enough for the USA to add to previous Olympic victories in 1996, 2004 and 2008.

Analysis

"The final has reflected the whole women's tournament. It was a great game won by a great goal. Japan played their part and came back into it, but the USA were just too strong."
Despite being outclassed for large periods of the game, they showed a resilience and determination that their coach Pia Sundhage described earlier this week as "unique".
The match was played in front of 80,203, a record crowd for a women's Olympic football fixture.
And the near full house at Wembley was served up a treat as two teams of contrasting styles produced a relatively open final brimming with passion and skill.