Brittney Griner has a message for critics as she basks in the glory of Team USA's Olympic gold
PARIS, GFRANCE: In a heart-stopping 67-66 victory over France, the United States women's national basketball team clinched their eighth consecutive gold medal at the Summer Olympics, extending their phenomenal Olympic winning streak to 61 games.
For Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, this win was particularly poignant, striking back at haters, marking her third Olympic gold - a milestone she once thought she might never reach.
Brittney Griner reflects on Olympic gold triumph in powerful Instagram post
Just a couple of years ago, Brittney Griner's future in basketball seemed bleak.
Her wrongful detainment in Russia, which robbed her of the entire 2022 WNBA season and nearly cost her life in a remote penal colony, cast a shadow over her career.
Yet, against all odds, Griner who announced their pregnancy with her wife Cherelle Griner, made a remarkable comeback, culminating in her emotional return to Team USA at the Paris Games.
In an Instagram post on August 12, Griner shared a collage of moments from the gold medal game, reflecting on the significance of this victory. "Some love to see it ... Some hate to see it ... BUT YOU ALL SEE IT," she wrote, acknowledging the mixed reactions to her triumphant return.
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Griner made her way back to the US through a prisoner exchange at the end of 2022, and since then, she’s been unstoppable, earning spots in consecutive WNBA All-Star games.
At the Paris Olympics, she averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game, and in the gold medal match against France, she scored four points in five minutes.
Addressing both her supporters and critics, Griner summed up her journey on Instagram with a powerful statement: "Some love to see it ... Some hate to see it ... BUT YOU ALL SEE IT."
"My emotions are all over the place," Griner told ESPN on August 11.
"It means so much to me. My family didn't think I would be here, like I've said before, and then to be here and win 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."
Fans in awe after Brittney Griner triumphs over adversity
Despite facing criticism and hate from those who believed she "deserved" punishment for carrying less than a gram of medically-prescribed cannabis oil in Russia, Griner has emerged stronger than ever, continuing to defy the odds and win on the world stage.
The comment section of Brittney Griner's Instagram was buzzing as one remarked, "And this is how you get the last laugh. Yes Ma’am 💯👏🏾"
Following suit, another observer added, "Let the haters stay mad. I'm so proud And happy for you."
Additionally, a viewer pointed out, "The way I was in TEARS when you were given your medal. You deserve this like no other. God bless you always 🙌❤️🇺🇸"
A follower contributed, "Waterworks watching you during the anthem. So glad you were a part of this golden team and you are back with your fam. ❤️"
A comment underscored, "You are such an inspiration. Let the haters hate from their couches as you go out there and get your gold medals. They don’t even understand excellence. Congratulations! What amazing work you have done to do this yet again. 👏👏👏👏"
Another comment echoed, "Ball Like Brittney Griner 💜🧡 congratulations legend! 🙌"
An individual elaborated further, saying, "So super proud of you and your resilience."
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