Brittney Griner was extra emotional when the American national anthem played after Team USA’s win over France in Sunday’s gold medal game at the Olympics.
The U.S. women’s team followed their male compatriots, winning gold with a marginal 67-66 scoreline. The Americans trailed by as much as eight points during the second half but rallied back to give themselves a chance.
They held a three-point lead with time running out. France’s Gabby Williams scored a long bank shot at the buzzer, but it would only count as a two-pointer as her feet were adjudged to have been over the line.
The victory handed Team USA an eighth straight Olympic gold medal, and Griner could not hold back the tears while the United States anthem played during the medal ceremony. Check her out below:
Brittney Griner (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
After Team USA's win in women's basketball, the Star-Spangled Banner rings out one last time at the #ParisOlympics. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ede9dTQfsq
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024
The WNBA star had previously planned to boycott the anthem but has had a change of heart since she was freed from a Russian jail via a prisoner exchange between America and Russia.
Fans Wanted To Join Brittney Griner In Crying
Brittney Griner’s reaction attracted several comments on social media, with fans claiming to be just as emotional after watching her.
“oh BG 🥺 cannot imagine what that moment felt like for her. after EVERYTHING. Wow,” one wrote.
“BG got me over here crying,” another said.
“Brittney has me crying! #TeamUSA,” someone wrote.
“BG- in tears, hand over hear heart. She has distinct knowledge what99% of Americans will probably never comprehend: truly grateful to be an American❤️,” one comment read.
“Seeing Britney Griner tear up like that after everything she went through, she probably thought she’d never hear it again,” someone suggested. “Never thought she’d ever get to play again.”
Brittney Griner admitted that hearing the national anthem “hit different” after she returned home from Russia.
“It’s like when you go for the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to get gold put on your neck, the flags are going up, and the anthem is playing, it just hits different,” she said.
She also admitted that the opportunity to represent Team USA again meant everything.
It must mean a lot more now, given that it’s culminated in a gold medal win. The women’s team will be on the hunt for a ninth straight win when the games come to the States in 2028.
