Brittney Griner, the American basketball star, experienced an emotional moment on the top step of the Olympic podium, shedding tears as she reflected on her incredible journey.
Played Professionally in Russia
The victory, she admitted, seemed impossible when she was detained in a Russian prison just two years earlier, according to Ziare.
Griner, who has played professionally both in Russia and the WNBA, was detained in February 2022 at a Moscow airport after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.
Despite having a medical prescription for marijuana in the United States, Griner spent nearly 10 months in detention.
"I never thought I would be here," the 33-year-old athlete said after the United States narrowly defeated France 67-66 to win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. "And to be here and win gold for my country, to represent the country that fought so hard for me... This gold medal will hold a special place among the other two I was lucky enough to win," she added.
Released in 2022
Griner, who also won gold medals at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, was released in December 2022 as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange involving notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death." She returned to the WNBA for the 2023 season.
U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve praised Griner for her resilience during the Olympics, marking her first trip abroad since her Russian detention. "When you see BG around the team, she seems okay," Reeve said. "But inside... there's a lot going on. She was so grateful to be here... I think we all need to remain mindful because what she went through is unimaginable."
Teammate A'ja Wilson described Griner as "a warrior, a fighter." Wilson added, "This is a huge gold for BG. We all know what she went through... It's so good to see her happy."
