Team USA secures its eighth consecutive gold, but it’s Griner’s reaction that has everyone talking

Griner’s unexpected reaction steals the spotlight in Team USA’s gold medal celebration

Brittney Griner, the towering star of Team USA, couldn’t hold back her emotions as the American national anthem played during the Olympic medal ceremony. Following a nail-biting 67-66 victory over France, Griner’s tears reflected a story far deeper than just a triumph on the court.

The U.S. women’s basketball team staged a heart-stopping comeback, overcoming an eight-point deficit in the second half to narrowly defeat their European rivals. As the final seconds ticked away, the Americans held onto a slim three-point lead. France’s Gabby Williams attempted a desperate bank shot at the buzzer, but it only counted for two, securing the one-point win for Team USA.

This victory was more than just another medal; it marked the American women’s eighth consecutive Olympic gold. But for Brittney Griner, the moment was deeply personal. As the national anthem played, she was visibly emotional, a stark contrast to her earlier decision to boycott the anthem.

Griner’s change of heart followed a harrowing experience in Russia, where she was imprisoned before being freed in a high-profile prisoner exchange. The anthem, once a source of controversy for her, now seemed to hold a profound new significance.

Fans rally behind Brittney Griner as emotional Olympic moment resonates across social media

Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jailABC News 20/20 – LAPRESSE

Social media buzzed with fans resonating with Brittney Griner’s emotional reaction. “BG got me over here crying,” one fan tweeted, capturing the shared sentiment of many who witnessed the moment. Another wrote, “Seeing Brittney tear up like that after everything she went through, she probably thought she’d never hear it agаіn.”

The profound display of emotion was not lost on Griner herself. She later admitted that hearing the anthem after her experience in Russia “hit different,” recognizing the deep impact of representing her country once again on such a grand stage.

For Griner, this Olympic journey was about more than just adding another gold to her collection-it was about redemption, resilience, and a renewed sense of patriotism. With the 2028 Games scheduled to return to the U.S., Team USA, and possibly Griner herself, will be looking toward another historic run. For now, this victory, marked by tears and triumph, will be remembered for years to come.