Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner returned to the WNBA in 2023 after serving time in a Russian prison, eventually returning to the United States via a prisoner swap. It was a terrifying situation to say the least. Now, Griner is on the verge of representing the U.S. in the Olympics, something she’s not taking for granted, via The Associated Press and ESPN.

“It really means the world to me,” Griner said. “To now have the honor of wearing it again and potentially winning gold is the icing on the cake for everything.”

Griner can now focus on things like winning gold at the Olympics. She gets to represent her country on the basketball court, something she is clearly grateful for after her tragic experience in Russia.

Griner and Team USA recently lost to the WNBA team at the WNBA All-Star Game. The loss was far from ideal for the players selected to represent the U.S. at the Olympics, but they are still expected to win the gold medal. Griner will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success in Paris.

Brittney Griner’s 2024 season

2023 was Griner’s first season back after returning to the U.S. There was uncertainty as to whether she would even play in the WNBA given what she had been through. Griner ultimately decided to return to the Mercury.

There were questions about how she would perform after her absence. However, Griner was selected to her eighth All-Star game. It became clear that Griner could still play at a high level, something she has continued into 2024.

Griner made her ninth WNBA All-Star Game this season. She is currently averaging 18.6 points per game on 55.8 percent field goal shooting. Griner is also pulling down 6.4 rebounds per game.

The Mercury are 13-12 heading into the Olympic break. They are just four games behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm (both 17-8) in the Western Conference. Phoenix will be hoping to make a competitive run after the break ends in August.

Griner would love to win a championship with the Mercury. Of course, winning gold with Team USA would be a special accomplishment for Griner as well.

Team USA’s Olympic Prospects

Team USA may have been defeated in the WNBA All-Star Game, but they are not short on talent. Stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jackie Young are also on the roster. Brittney Griner’s teammates Kahleah Copper and Diana Taurasi will also join her in Paris.

Anything less than a gold medal will feel like a failure for the team. They will go into the Olympics with extremely high expectations. Team USA has more than enough talent to win the gold medal.

As long as they play at their level and develop chemistry on the roster, Team USA will achieve their goals. There will be challenges, however. Griner, however, is more than ready to lead the team at the 2024 Olympics.

This will be an experience she will remember for a long time, after all she has been through.