Brittney Griner is once again an Olympic Gold medalist in women’s basketball. The WNBA star tearfully celebrated the occasion and reflected on how her country fought to bring her home.
The undefeated squad beat France August 11 at the Paris Olympics for its eighth consecutive gold medal. NBC shared footage of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” playing after their win, where Griner shed tears.
After Team USA's win in women's basketball, the Star-Spangled Banner rings out one last time at the #ParisOlympics.
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024pic.twitter.com/ede9dTQfsq
Griner, who spent 10 months in a Russian prison on drug charges, reflected on how her country fought to bring her home, and how this win returned the favor. “My country fought for me to get back,” Griner said, as reported by Yahoo Sports. “And I was able to bring home gold for my country. There’s just no greater feeling.”
She added, “I didn’t think I would be here. And to be here, winning gold, for my country, representing, when my country fought for me so hard to even be standing here.”
In fact, the trip to Paris marked Griner’s first overseas venture since her incarceration in Russia. She was first detained at a Moscow Airport on Feb. 17, 2022, for having hash oil, a substance derived from cannabis, in her possession. She eventually returned to the U.S. in December 2022 through a prisoner exchange.
The experience was harrowing for Griner, as explained in her memoir, Coming Home. The 6’9″ center was initially hesitant decision to return to the Olympics, according to the U.S. women’s basketball’s head coach Cheryl Reeves.
“She always presents the very best version of herself, despite all that she went through,” shared Reeves. “Inside, there’s a lot going on there.”
“It’s a huge moment for BG. We all know what she’s gone through,” said fellow WNBA star A’ja Wilson. “It was so good just to see her happy.”
Griner’s win isn’t the only milestone. The Olympian welcomed her first son with wife, Cherelle, as she continues advocating for all foreign detainees to come home.
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