The two-time Olympic gold medallist was sitting in a Russian prison in 2022, sentenced to nine years in jail for drug possession and smuggling. Playing for her country again was a far-fetched idea at the time. Ten months later she was released after a high-profile prisoner swap.
Now, 19 months later, she is set to represent the United States at the Paris Games, her first trip abroad since returning from Russia.
Griner, who will wear No. 15 on her U.S. uniform before the team’s All-Star game on Saturday, said it gives her chills just wearing it.
“Honestly, it means the world to me,” Griner told The Associated Press in an interview. “For me to now have the honor of wearing it again and potentially winning gold is the icing on the cake for everything.”
Griner had traveled to Russia to play basketball and supplement her income from playing in the WNBA. She had done so for several years. No more. The 33-year-old says she will only play in the United States unless USA Basketball asks her to play. She has dedicated a lot of time to representing Team USA and feels 100 percent safe when she is with them.
“It’s different, we’re very protected by the staff around us,” she said. “It’s different, it’s very different. The level of comfort and security we have now makes it a lot easier.”
It’s been a busy few weeks for Griner, as his wife Cherelle gave birth to their son Bash on July 8. Griner said it was difficult to say goodbye to him for a few weeks.
She will have her USA Basketball family to lean on while she is in Paris. Her teammates and coaches are thrilled to have her back playing for the United States.
“That’s something when you think about it. Think beyond the Olympics, someone’s personal experience and what she went through and is still going through,” U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve said. “We were all thinking about BG when she was out and we didn’t know if this moment would be possible. I’m excited for her personally and excited for our basketball team.”
Source: AP