Team USA women’s basketball’s chaotic ending to winning another gold medal had so many iconic notes. You had incredibly clutch fourth-quarter heroics from Kahleah Copper. There was, of course, an unfortunate stroke of luck for France’s Gabby Williams, punctuated by ball-knowing confidence from Breanna Stewart.
But the best moment of all might have come from Brittney Griner during the medal ceremony. The Phoenix Mercury center was seen crying during the American national anthem, moved to heartwarming emotions after she received her gold medal.
And if you know anything about what Griner has been through over the last couple of years, you couldn’t help but cry with her.
Roughly two years ago at this time, Griner was being erroneously held in a Russian prison over drug smuggling charges because of a medical marijuana prescription from the United States. She would later finally be released about 10 months later, but not after losing nearly a year of her life while also in the middle of her basketball playing career.
For such a heartbreaking story to follow at the time, it made it beyond rewarding to see Griner get emotional over winning another gold medal for her country.
Hoops fans felt so great for Griner as she cried after remembering everything she’s been through
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
