2022 was a turning point for Brittney Griner. The WNBA star was arrested in Russia after authorities found a small amount of hash oil in her luggage. This happened while Griner was in Russia to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA off-season, a trip she had made many times before without any issues.

Five months after her arrest, Griner was tried and pleaded guilty on the same day. Despite her attempts to explain that she hadn’t meant to break the law, she was sentenced to nine years in prison and a fine of one million rubles, about $16,000.

Griner was sent to a prison in Mordovia after her sentencing. During her incarceration, her family and the U.S. government worked tirelessly to secure her release. Finally, on December 8, 2022, Griner was released in a prisoner swap between the two countries.

When she returned to the WNBA in May 2023, Griner was welcomed back with open arms. Diana Taurasi highlighted the significance of Griner’s return: "Even though she’s a force on the court, Brittney has a generous heart. She cares about others, and that’s why she’s received so much support."

Diana Taurasi, a close friend and teammate, described the impact of this experience on Griner: "What Brittney has been through in the past two years is unimaginable. Seeing her back in her team’s jersey at the opening ceremony is truly moving. I’m deeply connected with her and know she’s filled with gratitude."

The pinnacle of her remarkable journey came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Griner and the U.S. women’s basketball team won the gold medal. This victory not only marked the tenth consecutive gold for Team USA but also Griner’s third consecutive gold medal.

The Paris 2024 gold has a special significance; it’s not just Griner’s third medal but a symbol of her incredible strength and perseverance after enduring a unique situation that kept her away from what she loves most—basketball. Now, she rises to the pinnacle once again and writes her name in Olympic history.