612 days after being released, she stood with a gold medal around her neck and tears in her eyes.
I didn't think I'd be here, she says to AFP.
Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia in 2022 for drug offenses. After ten months, she was released following protracted negotiations between the USA and Russia. This was in a highly publicized prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor But.
The Griner case became big politics, and the basketball star became a pawn in a geopolitical power game between the USA and Russia.
Griner herself has previously told the media company ABC that she considered taking her life in the Russian prison. She then decided not to do so, partly because she didn't believe the Russian authorities would allow her family to receive her body if she did.
In May 2023, she made her comeback on the basketball court – and now she has won her third Olympic Games gold with the USA.
The heavy favorite won a thrilling final against host nation France with 67–66 and thereby secured their eighth consecutive gold. When the American national anthem was played, tears streamed down Griner's cheeks:
It's been a long and tough journey to get back. I'm just glad my body made it and that I can be here, she says to AP.
She reflects on her journey:
This means a lot to me.
Just getting the chance to play for gold and represent my country, my country that has done so much for me. This is my highest point, she says.
