Visitor Submit by Miriam Judith
Nothing makes you admire American freedom greater than being locked away in a international jail for practically a yr.
Living proof Brittany Griner.
The previously outspoken critic of the nationwide anthem was seen with sentimental tears streaming down because the Star Spangled Banner was performed throughout the medal ceremony on the Olympics.
In 2022, Griner spent nearly 10 months in a Russian jail after being arrested for drug expenses. The WNBA star was set to serve a 9-year sentence till being launched throughout a prisoner change between the U.S. and Russia the place a high-profile Russian arms vendor was traded in return.
Your entire occasion appears to have prompted a change of coronary heart for Griner, who said in 2023 an intention of standing for the anthem and the nation’s flag.
In keeping with ESPN, Griner advised reporters, “You could have the suitable to protest, the suitable to have the ability to converse out, query, problem and do all this stuff.”
Griner continued, “What I went by and all the things, it simply means a bit of bit extra to me now. So I would like to have the ability to stand. I used to be actually in a cage [in Russia] and couldn’t stand the best way I needed to.”
“Simply having the ability to hear my nationwide anthem, see my flag, I undoubtedly need to stand. Now all people that won’t stand or not come out, I completely assist them 100%. That’s our proper, as an American on this nice nation.”
After profitable the Olympic gold medal with Staff USA, Griner’s feelings couldn’t be contained, and the basketball star has a newfound gratitude for this nice nation, in accordance to USA TODAY.
“It means a lot to me,” Griner stated. “I didn’t assume I’d be right here, like I’ve stated earlier than. After which to be right here profitable gold for my nation, representing, when my nation fought so exhausting for me to even be standing right here – yeah, this gold goes to carry a particular place.”
Watch the video:
After Staff USA’s win in ladies’s basketball, the Star-Spangled Banner rings out one final time on the #ParisOlympics. pic.twitter.com/ede9dTQfsq
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024
