When Team USA secured their historic gold medal in Paris, the celebration was electrifying, and every player basked in the glory. Among them was Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury star who, just a few years ago, might have found it hard to imagine winning a third Olympic gold medal. Yet, there she was, achieving the unimaginable and overwhelmed with emotion.

“My emotions are all over the place. It means so much to me,” expressed Griner after the final while tears rolled down from her eyes. Griner was named on the Olympics roster back in May and was an impactful player from the USA in the Olympics. Speaking to ESPN, the 33-year-old center said, “My family didn’t think I would be here, like I’ve said before, and then to be here and win and gold for my country, representing when my country fought for me so hard to even be standing here. Yeah, this gold medal is going to hold a special place.”

In 2022, the idea of Brittney Griner returning to play for her country seemed almost impossible. At that time, she had received a nine-year sentence in a Russian prison for drug possession and smuggling. The WNBA’s star was on fire in the 2021 season as she was averaging 20.5 points per game for Mercury, but that sentencing came as a speed breaker she never thought of.

After being held captive in Russia for 10 long months, a prisoner exchange brought her back to the U.S. in December 2022. And this summer marked a significant milestone for her as it was her first overseas trip since that harrowing experience.  She added, “Last time I was on a train overseas, it was a prison train, so that was a little rough.” However, this time she was surrounded by her teammates, wife, and family as she kick-started her Paris Olympics journey.

She embarked on a whirlwind journey, starting with a U.S. exhibition game in England and then spending nearly three weeks representing her nation in France. Griner even contributed in the finals as she scored four points along with two rebounds against the host nation. Let’s take a look at her comeback since 2023 and her impact on Team USA in the Olympics.

Brittney Griner’s remarkable comeback and impact for Team USA

Upon her return to the US, she looked for a comeback in 2023. And she actually did return, stronger than ever. Brittney Griner was making her presence felt again as she averaged 17.5 points along with 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game for her team. She continued her brilliance next year as well.

In the ongoing WNBA season, Griner has averaged 18.4 points per game. Moreover, she has been showing her shooting brilliance with a free throw percentage of 80%. The center has also made 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists every game. But, it was that national team call in May that Griner looked for since her comeback, and she got that.

Though Brittney Griner often came off the bench for Team USA, her presence was felt throughout the tournament. Playing in all six games, she averaged 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, despite spending just 14 minutes on the court each time.

“I had little moments here and there,” said Brittney Griner who underscores a remarkable comeback story and an enduring spirit.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.