Brittney Griner took a moment to collect herself in the restroom before stepping onto the medal stand to celebrate her achievement. As the national anthem played, tears flowed down her face while she proudly wore her third Olympic gold medal.
“This gold medal will have a special place among the two others I was fortunate enough to win,” Griner stated.
This tournament marked Griner’s first international competition since her release from nearly 10 months of detention in Russia. She played a crucial role in helping the United States secure a historic eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. After being freed in a prisoner swap and receiving support from fans around the globe, Griner had anticipated feeling emotional on the podium if the U.S. team triumphed. However, the depth of her emotion surprised even her.
“My country fought for me to get back, and I was able to bring home gold for my country,” Griner reflected. “There’s just no greater feeling than being here on the highest stage.”
During the Olympics, Griner averaged 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds coming off the bench. She contributed four points in the nail-biting final match against France, helping the U.S. achieve a one-point victory. Regardless of her playing time, Griner remained energetic and supportive, encouraging her teammates during timeouts and boosting morale on the court.
“When you think of a warrior, a trooper who will always be there and is a true professional, it’s BG,” praised Olympic MVP A’ja Wilson. “She showed that tonight and always.”
Griner’s reintegration into daily life appeared seamless after returning in December 2022. She participated in major events like the Met Gala and the Super Bowl, and rejoined the WNBA for the 2023 season, averaging 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds over 31 games. Additionally, she released a book detailing her experiences in the penal colony where she worked making military uniforms.
Nevertheless, U.S. head coach Cheryl Reeve consistently checked on Griner’s well-being. Although she was slated to participate in Olympic qualifier games in Belgium in February, it became evident that Griner needed more time to adjust.
Boarding the international flight was a significant moment for Griner, according to her long-time teammate Diana Taurasi. The first train ride she took was challenging, as it reminded her of her prior experiences.
“While BG outwardly appears to be okay, you know that inside, there’s a lot going on. Yet, she always presents her very best self regardless of what she’s endured,” Reeve said. “She is so thankful to be here.”
Griner credited therapy for aiding her return to the court and expressed gratitude towards her teammates for their support throughout the tournament, which spanned from Lille to Paris.
After overcoming the formidable French team in the final, Griner celebrated by hugging her wife, Cherelle. She plans to commemorate the victory by taking a photo of their newborn son with the gold medal before returning to her commitments.
The Phoenix Mercury are set to resume play following the WNBA Olympic break with games on August 16 and 17.