Visitor Publish by Miriam Judith
Nothing makes you recognize American freedom greater than being locked away in a overseas jail for practically a yr.
Working example Brittany Griner.
The previously outspoken critic of the nationwide anthem was seen with sentimental tears streaming down because the Star Spangled Banner was performed through the medal ceremony on the Olympics.
In 2022, Griner spent virtually 10 months in a Russian jail after being arrested for drug fees. The WNBA star was set to serve a 9-year sentence till being released throughout a prisoner alternate between the U.S. and Russia the place a high-profile Russian arms vendor was traded in return.
Your complete occasion appears to have prompted a change of coronary heart for Griner, who stated in 2023 an intention of standing for the anthem and the nation’s flag.
In response to ESPN, Griner advised reporters, “You’ve gotten the best to protest, the best to have the ability to converse out, query, problem and do all these items.”
Griner continued, “What I went via and all the things, it simply means just a little bit extra to me now. So I need to have the ability to stand. I used to be actually in a cage [in Russia] and couldn’t stand the way in which I needed to.”
“Simply with the ability to hear my nationwide anthem, see my flag, I positively wish to stand. Now all people that won’t stand or not come out, I completely help them 100%. That’s our proper, as an American on this nice nation.”
After profitable the Olympic gold medal with Workforce USA, Griner’s feelings couldn’t be contained, and the basketball star has a newfound gratitude for this nice nation, according 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 onerous for me to even be standing right here – yeah, this gold goes to carry a particular place.”
Watch the video:
After Workforce USA’s win in girls’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