Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Weeping in tears after the gold: "Means a lot"

Olympic champion for the third time. No previous gold has meant as much as this one for Brittney Griner. It has been a long and tough journey to get back, says the American basketball star.

» Updated: 12 August 2024, 04:41

» Published: 11 August 2024

Weeping in tears after the gold: "Means a lot"
Photo: Mark J. Terrill/AP/TT

612 days after being released, she stood with a gold medal around her neck and tears in her eyes.

I didn't think I'd be here, she says to AFP.

Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia in 2022 for drug offenses. After ten months, she was released following protracted negotiations between the USA and Russia. This was in a highly publicized prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor But.

The Griner case became big politics, and the basketball star became a pawn in a geopolitical power game between the USA and Russia.

Griner herself has previously told the media company ABC that she considered taking her life in the Russian prison. She then decided not to do so, partly because she didn't believe the Russian authorities would allow her family to receive her body if she did.

In May 2023, she made her comeback on the basketball court – and now she has won her third Olympic Games gold with the USA.

The heavy favorite won a thrilling final against host nation France with 67–66 and thereby secured their eighth consecutive gold. When the American national anthem was played, tears streamed down Griner's cheeks:

It's been a long and tough journey to get back. I'm just glad my body made it and that I can be here, she says to AP.

She reflects on her journey:

This means a lot to me.

Just getting the chance to play for gold and represent my country, my country that has done so much for me. This is my highest point, she says.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Copied Gyökeres – now wants revenge
2 MIN READ

Copied Gyökeres – now wants revenge

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team
1 MIN READ

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"
3 MIN READ

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer
1 MIN READ

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match
1 MIN READ

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"
3 MIN READ

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands
1 MIN READ

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands

Sprint star moves to Italy
1 MIN READ

Sprint star moves to Italy

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet
2 MIN READ

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami
1 MIN READ

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"
3 MIN READ

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"

NHL star McDavid back after injury
2 MIN READ

NHL star McDavid back after injury

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up
2 MIN READ

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up

CL success for the Swede: zero intact
2 MIN READ

CL success for the Swede: zero intact

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"
2 MIN READ

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties
1 MIN READ

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic
2 MIN READ

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe
2 MIN READ

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf
1 MIN READ

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One
2 MIN READ

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One