Brittney Griner Emotionally Details Why Paris Gold Medal Means the Most to Her

Team USA won a record straight eighth gold medal on Sunday, and Griner admitted this one is the most special to her.

Aug 11, 2024; Paris, France; United States center Brittney Griner (15) listens to the national anthem on the podium after defeating France in the women’s basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. / James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The United States women's basketball team won a record eighth straight gold medal at the Olympic Games on Sunday.

This was Brittney Griner's third Olympic gold medal, but this one captured in Paris meant the most to her. She was seen crying while the national anthem played.

Here's what the Phoenix Mercury star said about her extra layer of emotions in the moment.

“My country fought for me to get back,” Griner explained. “And I was able to bring home gold for my country. There's just no greater feeling.”

Griner was imprisoned in Russia back in February 2022, and was sentenced to nine years in prison for possession of vape cartridges with cannabis oil. She was released home to the United States in Dec. 2022 through a prisoner swap.

Her journey to Paris for the Olympics was the first time she's left the country since her traumatic experience in Russia.

This moment today when basketball star Brittney Griner got emotional during her medal ceremony broke me. So proud of her. pic.twitter.com/tZWuLOQtQ2

— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) August 11, 2024

“I didn't think I would be here,” Griner said. “And to be here, winning gold, for my country, representing, when my country fought for me so hard to even be standing here."