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Griner, who recently became a mother, now plans to place her latest gold medal next to her newborn son, Bash. 

The journey back to the Olympics was not an easy one, but Griner is grateful for the opportunity to compete once again. “It was a long journey, a hard journey to get back into it,” the 33-year-old said. “I’m just happy that my body was able to hold up and be able to be here.”

Having competed in the Olympics twice before—in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and in 2021 in Tokyo—Griner has come to appreciate the experience more deeply.

 In the 2021 Olympics, she led the U.S. team with 30 points, setting a record for the most points scored by a U.S. player in a gold-medal game. But after her ordeal in Russia, Griner has gained a new perspective on the value of everyday moments.

Griner Patriotism and Advocacy

The challenges Griner faced during her detention have left her with a renewed appreciation for the mundane aspects of life. “Waking up, going to practice, even when you don’t want to practice, having the opportunity to do that, because we overlook it,” she said. “That’s the opportunity that we get to do, and I just cherish every second I can now.”

Griner’s return to the basketball court coincided with another high-profile prisoner exchange involving the United States during the Paris Olympics. 

Just hours before Griner took to the court for a pool play game, news broke that more Americans were coming home. This news filled Griner with joy, knowing that others were being reunited with their families. “Head over heels” happy is how she described her feelings upon hearing the news.

Teammate Diana Taurasi, who played a key role in lobbying for Griner’s release during her detention, stood just two teammates away from Griner during the medal ceremony. 

Taurasi recognized the profound emotions Griner was experiencing and described the moment as “almost mind-boggling.” She praised Griner for her resilience and her commitment to ensuring the freedom of others.

 “She’s a person that is grateful for all the support that she got through all this,” Taurasi said. “And it wasn’t easy. And it’s still not easy for her. She still carries a big burden...to make sure everyone gets out. She carries that burden really heavy on her back.”

Olympics Celebration

During the gold medal game, Griner contributed four points and grabbed two rebounds, helping the U.S. team secure their narrow victory over France.

 After the game, Griner celebrated on the court with her teammates, sharing hugs with Lisa Leslie and others who had come to cheer on the American team at Bercy Arena. French President Emmanuel Macron among the spectators.