Brittney Griner is heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude, having endured a harrowing experience since her last Games appearance. The two-time gold medalist for Team USA is preparing to represent her country once again, but her journey to Paris has been marked by significant personal challenges.
Two years ago, Griner faced a severe setback when she was imprisoned in Russia. In 2022, she was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony for drug possession and smuggling after authorities found vape cartridges containing less than a gram of hash oil, which is illegal in Russia.
Her ordeal came to a dramatic end with a high-profile prisoner exchange that saw Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," released from a 25-year federal sentence in exchange for her freedom.
Before participating in the WNBA All-Star Game, Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, reflected on the significance of wearing her Team USA jersey. "It means everything to me honestly," she told The Associated Press. "For me to now have the honor to wear it again and potentially win gold is icing on the cake for everything.
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This sentiment marks a shift from her earlier views. Back in 2020, during a period of intense social unrest and Black Lives Matter protests, Griner had suggested that the WNBA should consider not playing the national anthem before games. She had also knelt during the anthem as a form of protest. At that time, she felt the national anthem did not reflect her personal values and the social issues she was passionate about.
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