Brittney Griner Wins Third Olympic Gold Medal After Harrowing Experience in Russia
- Brittney Griner sheds tears during the national anthem at her WNBA return.
- Griner expresses gratitude for the opportunity to represent the United States post-Russian prison sentence.
- Emotional moment highlights the impact of Griner's recent challenging experiences.
PARIS — Brittney Griner celebrated her third Olympic gold medal on Sunday, a victory that she described as particularly meaningful following her ten-month imprisonment in Russia. Overwhelmed with emotion, Griner expressed gratitude for her country’s efforts to secure her release, stating, “My country fought for me to get back, and I was able to bring home gold for my country.” This triumph marked a significant return for Griner, who had not traveled overseas since her detention, and she credited counseling and therapy for helping her process the trauma she endured. Griner's return to the WNBA and the Olympic stage was filled with poignant moments, particularly during the national anthem, which she noted “definitely hit different” after her experiences. The gold medal was awarded to Team USA following a narrow victory over France, and Griner emphasized the importance of this moment, saying, “This gold is going to hold a special place.” Her teammates and coaches recognized the depth of her journey, with Coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledging the internal struggles Griner faced despite her outward strength. In 2022, Griner was detained in Russia on drug charges after cannabis oil was found in her luggage, leading to a harrowing prison experience that ended with a prisoner swap in December. Prior to her detainment, Griner had been an advocate for social justice, expressing her right to protest and support for those who choose not to stand during the national anthem, reflecting her commitment to free expression as an American.