Brittney Griner's comeback: From adversity to basketball Olympic glory at Paris 2024

Brittney Griner rose from the depths of despair to the euphoric high of winning Olympic gold.

Less than two years after she was freed in a prisoner swap with Russia, Griner would cradle in her hands the Olympic women’s basketball gold medal. Team USA narrowly beat France 67-66 in the final at Paris 2024 on Sunday (11 August).

The U.S. won a record 10th gold medal at the global showpiece with Griner claiming her third in what was a pivotal performance.

The mere thought of ever playing competitive basketball again - never mind winning a third Olympic gold medal - seemed impossible just a few months ago. Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for drug possession and smuggling in Russia, spent 10 months in detention before her release in December 2022.

“Being able to see my family again. Being able to not miss little memories, things that I took for granted that I don't take for granted anymore now,” Griner said ahead of the final.

“Gold is just the icing on the cake. Being in the Olympics is the icing on the cake.”

Griner contributed four points and two rebounds in a victory dedicated to her newborn son, Bash.