Brittney Griner wins emotional third Olympic gold after detainment in Russia
- Brittney Griner weeps after securing her third Olympic gold medal for the United States.
- Griner expresses gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country again after her detention in Russia.
- The emotional win follows a trying time for the basketball player in a foreign country.
PARIS — Brittney Griner celebrated her third Olympic gold medal on Sunday, a victory that she described as particularly meaningful following her harrowing ten-month imprisonment in Russia. Overwhelmed with emotion, Griner expressed gratitude for her country’s efforts in securing 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 her first international competition since her release, highlighting the significance of her return to the sport. Griner, who spent most of 2022 in a Russian penal colony after being convicted on drug charges, reflected on her journey to this moment. Freed in December through a prisoner exchange, she acknowledged the emotional toll of her experience and the importance of therapy in her recovery. “I didn’t think I would be here,” she admitted, emphasizing the unique weight this gold medal carries compared to her previous wins. Her teammates and coaches recognized the depth of her experience, with U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve noting that while Griner presents a strong exterior, she is navigating complex emotions internally. “She always presents the very best version of herself, despite all that she went through,” Reeve remarked, underscoring the support system that has been crucial for Griner throughout her journey. As she celebrated her victory with teammates, Griner’s joy was palpable. “It’s a great day,” she said, reflecting on the support from her family and the team that made her return to the court possible. “And I was able to bring back gold for my country,” she concluded, solidifying her place in Olympic history.