The conclusion of the women’s basketball gold medal game at the Olympics was filled with memorable moments. From Kahleah Copper’s clutch fourth-quarter performance to Gabby Williams’ unfortunate misstep and Breanna Stewart’s decisive plays, the game had its share of drama. However, the most poignant moment came during the medal ceremony, when Brittney Griner was seen in tears as she listened to the American national anthem and received her gold medal.
Griner’s emotional response was deeply touching, especially considering her recent past. The Phoenix Mercury center had endured a harrowing experience over the past two years. Around the same time last year, Griner was detained in a Russian prison on drug smuggling charges due to a prescription for medical marijuana from the U.S. After spending nearly ten months in confinement, she was eventually released, having lost nearly a year of her life amid a turbulent period in her basketball career.
Given the challenges Griner faced, her tears during the medal ceremony were a powerful reminder of her resilience and the significance of her triumph. Fans across the basketball community shared in the heartfelt moment, celebrating not just the victory but the personal redemption and strength Griner exemplified in her return to the Olympic stage.
Two years ago, Brittney Griner was being unjustly held in a Russian prison. Today, she's winning her third Olympic gold medal for the U.S. How cool is that?
— Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) August 11, 2024
For Brittney Griner's last two years to have gone from a Russian prison to a Parisian Olympic gold medal with a new son? I couldn't be happier for her.
I would've been terrified to even consider traveling to another country again and she played for her country and won. Epic.
— Sassington, M.C. (@MissSassbox) August 11, 2024
Watching Brittney Griner get this gold medal feels sooo sweet. My heart is so full! pic.twitter.com/oTLd01Bce8
— Finessa_Trilliams💋🇬🇭 🐝 (@C_Jill_Run) August 11, 2024
Seeing Brittney Griner on the podium getting her gold medal was a really moving moment.
— Shilo Joslin (@IReadTheScript) August 11, 2024
Brittney Griner almost had me in tears. I can’t imagine what this moment must feel like for her. So glad she’s back and safe and an Olympic champion 👏🏽
— tkyoncé (@tkyonce) August 11, 2024
Ngl choked up watching @brittneygriner during the anthem with tears down her face.
Amazing story.
— Arnab Datta (@ArnabDatta321) August 11, 2024
Oh. Brittney Griner getting emotional on the podium during the Star Spangled Banner. 🥹 🥇🇺🇸
— Katrina M (@sciville) August 11, 2024