American victory in Paris highlights Griner's redemption journey

Behind us are 15 days of thrilling competitions for the highest sports laurels and record results in as many as 32 disciplines. Undeniably, the representatives of the United States can boast the largest number of medals won. The basketball players from across the ocean made an extremely significant contribution to the Americans' success, who defeated the host team by just one point in the final game on the last day of the Olympics. That point turned out to be worth its weight in gold.

Among the Olympic champions' team was 33-year-old Brittney Griner. It was her third appearance at the most significant sports event in the world. The taste of hard-earned victory in Paris brought her the greatest joy and undisguised tears of emotion.

The American athlete had gone through difficult times recently. On 17 February 2022, she was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. During a search of her luggage, border services found e-cigarettes with cartridges containing cannabis oil. Despite possessing only trace amounts and having a doctor’s prescription for its use, the basketball player was accused of attempting to smuggle drugs.

Brittney Griner was sentenced to 8 years in a penal colony. She was sent to a labour camp where conditions are extremely harsh, with forced long hours of hard labour. Moreover, prison services significantly restrict inmates' access to basic hygiene products and medical care.

Ultimately, the athlete returned to her homeland after 10 months. Amid a massive scandal, she was released as part of a prisoner exchange accomplished through successful negotiations by President Joe Biden with Russian authorities. Six months later, she appeared on the court for the first time. During the post-game conference, she made a sincere confession.

I have my moments. You know, I definitely say it's like a roller coaster. I'm starting to string together a lot more better days now than before. But it's definitely getting better now. It's something that I've learned to kind of deal with and cope with. (...) I credit my team and believing in me, and they did everything that they could to help me get back on that court. I was glad I did do it. ... I definitely feel 100% like my old self now - Brittney Griner recalled with great emotion.

The basketball player can boast many individual and team achievements. Since 2013, she has played for the Phoenix Mercury, with whom she secured first place in the WNBA league a year later.