PARIS (AP) — Standing on the medal stand with her third gold medal draped around her neck, Brittney Griner looked at the U.S. flag with tears streaming down her cheeks during the national anthem.
She didn’t wipe them away until after the anthem ended, never trying to hide how she feels representing her country 612 days after the U.S. got the American star home after 10 months in a Russian prison.
Not with all that this moment meant.
Griner didn’t think she’d have this chance again.
“This one meant a lot to me,” Griner said after the U.S. held off France 67-66 to win an unprecedented eighth straight gold medal in women’s basketball Sunday. “I mean, just having a chance to play for gold, represent my country, what my country did for me? Yeah, this is the highest on the pinnacle right here.”
United States' Brittney Griner wipes a tear after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)(AP)
This gold medal victory capped a long road back for Griner, who was sitting in a Russian penal colony two years ago not sure if she would ever get home again, let alone play basketball or compete in a third Olympics being held in Europe so close to Russia.
She had been sentenced to nine years behind bars for drug possession and smuggling in Russia, spending 10 months in jail before she was part of a high-profile prisoner exchange in December 2022. Griner, a Phoenix Mercury center who had been playing basketball in Russia during the WNBA offseason when she was detained, said she would never play internationally again except with USA Basketball.
Now, Griner has her third gold medal playing for the U.S. and plans to place this one next to her newborn son, Bash.
“It was a long journey, a hard journey to get back into it,” the 33-year-old said. “I’m just happy that my body was able to hold up and be able to be here.”
Griner has learned to appreciate the little things at the Olympics more than she did the first two times she played in them, in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and in 2021 in Tokyo. In 2021, Griner led the U.S. with 30 points, the most points ever scored by a U.S. player in a gold-medal game.
That was three years ago, but Griner’s ordeal in Russia left her appreciating the mundane details of each day.
“Waking up, going to practice, even when you don’t want to practice, having the opportunity to do that, because we overlook it,” she said. “That’s the opportunity that we get to do and I just cherish every second I can now.”
-(AP Photo)
United States' Brittney Griner kisses her gold medal at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(AP)
United States' Stephen Curry (4) celebrates after winning a men's gold medal basketball game against France at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(Michael Conroy | AP)
The United States basketball team reacts after winning a men's gold medal basketball game against France at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(AP)
United States' Stephen Curry (4) reacts with his team after winning a men's gold medal basketball game against France at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(AP)
Shelby McEwen, of the United States, competes in the men's high jump final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)(Bernat Armangue | AP)
Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, wearing her gold medal cries the New Zealand national anthem is played during the medal ceremony following the final round of the women's golf event at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at Le Golf National, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Matt York)(AP)
Brooke Raboutou of the United States competes in the women's boulder and lead final during the sport climbing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Le Bourget, France.(Christophe Ena | AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool)
Gold medalist Janja Garnbret of Slovenia, center, poses for a photo with silver medalist Brooke Raboutou of the United States, left, and bronze medalist Jessica Pilz of Austria during the women's boulder and lead final for the sport climbing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Le Bourget, France.(Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi | AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Silver medalist Brooke Raboutou of the United States poses with her medal after the women's boulder and lead final during the sport climbing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Le Bourget, France.(Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi | AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Gold medalist Janja Garnbret of Slovenia, left, congratulates silver medalist Brooke Raboutou of the United States during the women's boulder and lead final for the sport climbing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Le Bourget, France.(Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi | AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Rose Zhang, of the United States, hits her shot from the 3rd tee during the final round of the women's golf event at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at Le Golf National, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Matt York)(AP)
Nelly Korda, of the United States, waits fro other players on the 12th tee during the final round of the women's golf event at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at Le Golf National, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)(AP)
Masai Russell, of the United States, reacts after winning the women's 100-meter hurdles final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Mallory Swanson, of the United States, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring her side's first goal during the women's soccer gold medal match between Brazil and the United States at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris, France.(Vadim Ghirda | AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Korbin Albert, of the United States, left, goes for a header with Brazil's Gabi Portilho, right, during the women's soccer gold medal match between Brazil and the United States at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)(Vadim Ghirda | AP)
Brazil's Yasmim, left and Trinity Rodman of the United States challenge for the ball during the women's soccer gold medal match between Brazil and the United States at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris, France.(Francisco Seco | AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Nyjah Huston, of the United States, poses after winning the bronze medal in the men's skateboard street final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France.(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Rai Benjamin, of the United States, reacts to winning the men's 400-meter hurdles final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
Olivia Reeves of the United States competes during the women's 71kg weightlifting event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France.(Kin Cheung | AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
United States' Kristina Teachout celebrates after winning the women's 67kg Taekwondo bronze final match against China's Song Jie during the 2024 Summer Olympics, at the Grand Palais, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France.(AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Sha'carri Richardson,Gabrielle Thomas, Twanisha Terry, and Melissa Jefferson, of the United States, pose after winning the gold medal in the women's 4 x 100 meters relay final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Twanisha Terry, left, of the United States, takes the baton from teammate Melissa Jefferson, for her leg in the women's 4x100-meter relay final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)(AP)
Sha'carri Richardson, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 4 x 100-meter relay final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)(AP)
Sha'carri Richardson, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 4 x 100-meter relay final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)(AP)
Alice Finot, of France, reacts after a heat in the women's 3000-meter steeplechase at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(Source: AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Letsile Tebogo, of Botswana, crosses the finish line followed by Kenneth Bednarek, of the United States, center, and Noah Lyles, of the United States, during the men's 200-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(Natacha Pisarenko | AP)
Players for the United States celebrate during a semifinal women's volleyball match against Brazil at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)(Dolores Ochoa | AP)
United States' Chiaka Ogbogu (24) hits the ball past Brazil's Thaisa Daher (6) during a semifinal women's volleyball match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Paris, France.(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Noah Lyles, of the United States, rests on the track following the men's 200-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)(Petr David Josek | AP)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, of the United States, celebrates wining the gold medal in the women's 400-meters hurdles final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(Natacha Pisarenko | AP)
United States' Stephen Curry (4) celebrates a basket against Serbia during a men's semifinals basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)(Mark J. Terrill | AP)
Tara Davis-Woodhall, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's long jump final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(Petr David Josek | AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, of the United States, competes in the women's 400-meters hurdles semifinal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(Natacha Pisarenko | AP)
Tara Davis-Woodhall, of the United States, competes during the women's long jump final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)(Bernat Armangue | AP)
Tara Davis-Woodhall, of the United States, celebrates after competing in the women's long jump final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(Bernat Armangue | AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Letsile Tebogo, of Botswana, second left, wins the men's 200-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(Martin Meissner | AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Noah Lyles, of the United States, is taken from the track following the men's 200-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)(Petr David Josek | AP)
Jordan Chiles, of the United States, holds up her medals after the women's artistic gymnastics individual apparatus finals Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
Members of the United States women's volleyball team pose for a photo after winning their semifinal women's volleyball match against Brazil at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)(Alessandra Tarantino | AP)
Letsile Tebogo, left, of Botswana, and Noah Lyles, of the United States, stand alongside each other following their men's 200-meter semifinal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(Petr David Josek | AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Sha'carri Richardson, right, of the United States, and Rebekka Haase, of Germany, in the women's 4x100-meter relay heat at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(Petr David Josek | AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) shoots in front of Lauren Ebo (6), of Nigeria, during a women's quarterfinal basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Paris, France.(Mark J. Terrill | AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill,Pool)
Soufiane El Bakkali, of Morocco, right, Kenneth Rooks, of the United States, center, and Abraham Kibiwot, of Kenya, competes in the men's 3000-meters steeplechase final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(Natacha Pisarenko | AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
United State's Andrew Benesh reacts after losing a point in the United States loss to Qatar in a quarterfinal beach volleyball match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Paris, France.(Robert F. Bukaty | AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Quincy Hall, of the United States, celebrates after winning the men's 200-meter semifinal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
Medalist, from left to right, Theerapong Silachai of Thailand, silver, Li Fabin of China, gold, and Hampton Morris of the United States, bronze, celebrate on the podium during the medal ceremony for the men's 61kg weightlifting event at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)(Kin Cheung | AP)
Quincy Hall, of the United States, crosses the finish line followed by Matthew Hudson-Smith, of Britain, in the men's 400-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(Natacha Pisarenko | AP)
FILE - Sunny Choi, also known as B-Girl Sunny, from the United States, competes in the B-girl Red Bull BC One World Final at Hammerstein Ballroom, Nov. 12, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)(AP)
United State's Sarah Hildebrandt celebrates after defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman in their women's freestyle 50kg final match, at Champ-de-Mars Arena, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)(Eugene Hoshiko | Associated Press)
Britain's Andrew Macdonald competes during the men's skateboard park preliminary session during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Paris, France.(Frank Franklin II | AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Tony Hawk skates at La Concorde Urban Park before play resumes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France.(Frank Franklin II | AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Cole Hocker, of the United States, right, competes in the men's 1500-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(Natacha Pisarenko | AP)
Cole Hocker, of the United States, celebrates after winning the men's 1500-meter final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
United States' Sophia Smith celebrates with team mates the opening goal during a women's semifinal soccer match between the United States and Germany at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at Lyon Stadium in Decines, France.(Silvia Izquierdo | AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
United States' Trinity Rodman jumps for the ball with Germany's Janina Minge during a women's semifinal soccer match between the United States and Germany at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at Lyon Stadium in Decines, France.(Silvia Izquierdo | AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Dana Rettke of the United States, left, and Jordan Thompson of the United States celebrate at the end of their game against Poland in a women's quarter final volleyball match between the United States and Poland at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)(Dolores Ochoa | AP)
Just two days after a triumphant gold medal in road cycling, Homer’s Kristen Faulkner is in position to win another.
Faulkner and Team USA qualified second in the Women’s Team Pursuit at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Tuesday, advancing to the finals set for Wednesday morning and setting a national record along the way.(Team USA Cycling)
Gabrielle Thomas, of the United States, rings the bell after winning the gold medal in the women's 200 meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)(AP)
Gabrielle Thomas, of the United States, crosses the finish line in her women's 200-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(Natacha Pisarenko | AP)
Annette Nneka Echikunwoke of the United States, celebrates after winning the silver medal in the women's hammer throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(Matthias Schrader | AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Caroline Marks, of the United States, surfs during the gold medal match of the surfing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Teahupo'o, Tahiti.(Gregory Bull | AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
A whale breaches during the semifinal round of the surfing competition between Brisa Hennessy, of Costa Rica, and Tatiana Weston-Webb, of Brazil, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Teahupo'o, Tahiti.(Gregory Bull | AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Armand Duplantis, of Sweden, competes in the men's pole vault final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)(AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, holds up her medals after the women's artistic gymnastics individual apparatus finals Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
Valarie Allman, of the United States, gestures after winning the gold medal in the women's discus throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)(AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, holds up her medals after the women's artistic gymnastics individual apparatus finals Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
Gabby Thomas posted a 21.86-second semifinal in the women's 200m to book her spot in a second consecutive Olympic final.(Getty)
Sam Kendricks, of the United States, reacts after winning the silver medal in the men's pole vault at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/David Goldman)(David Goldman | AP)
Sam Kendricks, of the United States, reacts after winning the silver medal in the men's pole vault at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/David Goldman)(AP)
Valarie Allman, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's discus throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
Faith Kipyegon, of Kenya,, right, fights for the lead with Gudaf Tsegay, of Ethiopia, during the women's 5000 meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Sam Kendricks, of the United States, left, and Armand Duplantis, of Sweden, celebrate after the men's pole vault final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)(AP)
Armand Duplantis, of Sweden, clears the bar at 6.25 to set a new world record during the men's pole vault final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Oleg Zernikel, of Germany, reacts after missing an attempt during the men's pole vault final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/David Goldman)(AP)
Chun-Han Yang, of Taiwan, Andre de Grasse, of Canada, Noah Lyles, of the United States, Bryan Levell, of Jamaica, and Towa Uzawa, of Japan, run in a men's 200 meters round 1 heat at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Armand Duplantis, of Sweden, reacts after setting a new Olympic record in the men's pole vault final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/David Goldman)(David Goldman | AP)
Valarie Allman of the United States, celebrates during the women's discus throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
Silver medalist Simone Biles, of the United States, left, and bronze medalist Jordan Chiles, of the United States, right, bow to gold medalist Rebeca Andrade, of Brazil, during the medal ceremony for the women's artistic gymnastics individual floor finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(Abbie Parr | AP)
Ana Barbosu, of Romania, competes during the women's artistic gymnastics individual floor finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
United States' Taryn Kloth, top, and Kristen Nuss hug after a loss to Canada in a beach volleyball match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)(Robert F. Bukaty | AP)
Jordan Chiles, of the United States, and Simone Biles, of the United States, celebrate after the women's artistic gymnastics individual floor finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. Biles won the silver medal and Chiles the bronze medal. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)(Morry Gash | AP)
Jordan Chiles, of the United States, holds up her medals after the women's artistic gymnastics individual apparatus finals Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, competes during the women's artistic gymnastics individual balance beam finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(Abbie Parr | AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, holds up her medals after the women's artistic gymnastics individual apparatus finals Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
Stephen Nedoroscik, of the United States, celebrates after winning the bronze medal during the men's artistic gymnastics individual pommel finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, competes during the women's artistic gymnastics individual floor finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(AP)
Noah Lyles, of the United States, celebrates after winning the men's 100-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, pauses after falling during the women's artistic gymnastics individual balance beam finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France.(AP)
Caeleb Dressel of United States, warms up ahead of the men's 50-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(AP)
FILE - Egypt's Nada Hafez competes with United States' Elizabeth Tartakovsky in the women's individual Sabre round of 32 competition during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France.(Andrew Medichini | AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
United States' Ryan Murphy, Nic Fink, Caeleb Dressel, and Hunter Armstrong pose for a phztowith their silver medals during the awards ceremony for the men's 4x100-meter medley relay at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)(AP)
Athletes dive into the water for the start of the mixed relay triathlon at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France.(Source: AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Gold medalist Scottie Scheffler, of the United States, cries as the national anthem of the US is played during the medal ceremony for men's golf at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. Scottie Scheffler, of the United States, won the gold medal with Tommy Fleetwood, of Britain, silver and Hideki Matsuyama, of Japan, the bronze.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)(AP)
Gold medalist Scottie Scheffler, of the United States, centre, with Tommy Fleetwood, of Britain, silver medal, right, and Hideki Matsuyama, of Japan, with the bronze medal pose for the media following the medal ceremony for men's golf at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)(AP)
Noah Lyles, of the United States, in lane seven, wins the men's 100-meter final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(David J. Phillip | AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Noah Lyles, of the United States, reacts ahead of his men's 100-meters semifinal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP)
United States relay swim team celebrates winning the gold medal in the women's 4x100-meter medley relay final at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)(AP)
United States' Regan Smith competes in the women's 4x100-meter medley relay final at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)(AP)
United States' Gretchen Walsh, from left, Lilly King and Regan Smith celebrate winning the gold medal in the women's 4x100-meter medley relay final at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(AP)
United States' Nic Fink competes in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)(AP)
China's swim relay team members celebrate winning the gold medal in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)(AP)
United States' Bobby Finke celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 1500-meter freestyle final at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)(AP)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia won his first Olympic gold medal on Sunday after he defeated Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in straight sets. Djokovic didn't drop one set during his time at the Olympic tournament.(Getty)
Suni Lee, of the United States, celebrates after winning the bronze medal during the women's artistic gymnastics individual uneven bars finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
Suni Lee, of the United States, celebrates after winning the bronze medal during the women's artistic gymnastics individual uneven bars finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
Scottie Scheffler, of the United States, looks at the lie of his putt on the 18th green during the final round of the men's golf at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Matt York)(AP)
Kaylia Nemour, of Algeria, reacts after winning the gold medal during the women's artistic gymnastics individual uneven bars finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)(AP)
Samir Ait Said, of France, competes during the men's artistic gymnastics individual rings finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
South Korea's Lim Jonghoon, right, takes a selfie with North Korea's Ri Jong-sik, left, and Kim Kum Yong, second left, China's Wang Chuqin, background, and Sun Yingsha, center, and his teammate Shin Yubin, right, during the medal ceremony at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France.(AP)
South Korea's Lim Jonghoon, left, takes a selfie with North Korea's Ri Jong-sik, second left, and Kim Kum-yong, third left, China's Wang Chuqin, second right, and Sun Yingsha, this right and his teammate Shin Yubin, right, during the medal ceremony at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France.(AP)
Jasmine Moore, of the United States, reacts after winning the bronze medal the women's triple jump final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
United States athletes Kaylyn Brown, center, and Bryce Deadmon, left, silver medalists in the 4x400-meter mixed relay, celebrate with Sha'carri Richardson, left, and Melissa Jefferson, after the pair won silver and bronze in the women's 100-meter final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)(Rebecca Blackwell | AP)
Stephen Nedoroscik, of the United States, competes during the men's artistic gymnastics individual pommel finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
Ryan Crouser, of the United States, competes in the men's shot put final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Gold medalist Torri Huske, of the United States, right, stands on the podium with teammate and silver medalist Gretchen Walsh following women's 100-meter butterfly final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
Torri Huske, of the United States, waves as she stands on the podium to receive her silver medal for the women's 100-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
-(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo)
United States' Gretchen Walsh celebrates after winning the gold medal for the mixed 4x100-meter medley relay at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.(Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi | AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
-(AP Photo)
United States' Kate Douglass and teammate United States' Gretchen Walsh after competing in the women's 200-meter individual medley final at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(AP)
The mixed 4x100-meter medley relay teams of China, United States and Australia stand on the podium at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(AP)
Australia's Ariarne Titmus, United States' Katie Ledecky and United States' Paige Madden celebrate with their medals during the awards ceremony for women's 800-meter freestyle the at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)(AP)
Australia's Ariarne Titmus, United States' Katie Ledecky and United States' Paige Madden celebrate at the podium for women's 800-meter freestyle the at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.(AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(AP)
Slovakia’s Tamara Potocka is taken on stretcher from the pool deck after collapsing following a heat of the women's 200-meter individual medley at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Nanterre, France.(AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
United States' Brittney Griner, center, stands on the court prior to a women's basketball game against Belgium at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(Michael Conroy | AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, celebrates with teammate Suni Lee, left, after Biles won gold and Lee won bronze in the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the uneven bars during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(AP)
Regan Smith, of the United States, competes in the women's 200-meter butterfly final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
Evy Leibfarth of the United States reacts after the women's canoe single finalsat the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)(Kirsty Wigglesworth | AP)
Gold medalist Katie Ledecky, of the United States, poses after the women's 1500-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
United States' Sabrina Ionescu, left, celebrates as Belgium's Maxuella Lisowa-Mbaka, right, walks away after the United States defeated Belgium in a women's basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France.(Michael Conroy | AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Simone Biles, of the United States, celebrates after performing on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(Abbie Parr | AP)
Evy Leibfarth of the United States celebrates with the bronze medal in the women's canoe single finals at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)(Kirsty Wigglesworth | AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the vault during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
Suni Lee, of the United States, is introduced before the start of the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the uneven bars during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)(Morry Gash | AP)
United States' Michael Grady, Nick Mead, Liam Corrigan and Justin Best celebrate their gold medal in the men's four final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)(Ebrahim Noroozi | AP)
United States' Liam Corrigan, from left, Michael Grady, Justin Best and Nick Mead pose with the gold during a medals ceremony for the men's four final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)(Lindsey Wasson | AP)
United States' Ilona Maher, centre reacts as she stands on the podium with her bronze medal during the presentation ceremony Rugby Sevens at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, France, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)(AP)
Leon Marchand, center, of France, stands with silver medalist Kristof Milak, left, of Hungary, and bronze medalist Ilya Kharun, of Canada, following the men's 200-meter butterfly final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)(AP)
Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)(AP)
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula of the United States play Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic during their women's doubles match, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)(AP)
Gold medalist Katie Ledecky, of the United States, stands with silver medalist Anastasiia Kirpichnikova, of France, left, and bronze medalist Isabel Gose, of Germany, on the podium after the women's 1500-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Gold medalist Katie Ledecky, of the United States, poses after the women's 1500-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)(AP)
The United States team celebrate after winning the women's bronze medal Rugby Sevens match between the United States and Australia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, France, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The US won the game 14-12. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)(Vadim Ghirda | AP)
Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the vault during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(AP)
Members of Team USA celebrate after winning the gold medal in the women's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(AP)
Jordan Chiles, of the United States, celebrates after performing on the uneven bars during the women's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)(AP)
From left to right, Suni Lee, Simone Biles, Hezly Rivera celebrate after winning the gold medal during the women's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
Jordan Chiles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
Maxwell Holt, of the United States, left, blocks a ball by Moritz Reichert, of Germany, during the Group C men's volleyball match between the United States and Germany at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)(Alessandra Tarantino | AP)
Gold medalist Summer McIntosh, of Canada, stands with silver medalist Katie Grimes, left, of the United States and bronze medalist Emma Weyant, of the United States, on the podium after the women's 400-meter individual medley final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Coco Gauff of United States gestures as she plays against Donna Vekic of Croatia during their women's singles third round match at the Roland Garros stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)(AP)
Watercraft and buoys sit along the Seine river as the triathlon event venue on the Pont Alexandre III bridge stands in the background at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris.(Source: AP Photo/David Goldman)
Stephen Nedoroscik, of United States, performs on the pommel during the men's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(AP)
Asher Hong, of United States, Brody Malone, of United States, and Stephen Nedoroscik, of United States, Team USA celebrate after last rotation during the men's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(AP)
Stephen Nedoroscik, of United States, is lifted by teammates after pommel horse during the men's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(AP)
Team USA from left to right Brody Malone, Asher Hong, Fred Richard, Paul Juda and Stephen Nedoroscik, of the United States, celebrate after winning the bronze medal during the men's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(AP)
FILE - Ryan Murphy reacts after winning the Men's 100 backstroke finals, June 17, 2024, at the US Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)(AP)
Gold medalist Thomas Ceccon, of Italy, stands on the podium with silver medalist Xu Jiayu, left, of China, and bronze medalist Ryan Murphy, right, of the United States, for a selfie following the men's 100-meter backstroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
Gold medalist David Popovici, centre, of Romania, stands with silver medalist Matthew Richards, left, of Britain and bronze medalist Luke Hobson, of the United States following the men's 200-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
Gold medalist, Summer McIntosh, of Canada, stands with silver medalist, Katie Grimes, of the United States, left, and bronze medalist Emma Weyant, of the United States, on the podium after the women's 400-meter individual medley final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. . (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Luke Hobson, of the United States, prepares for his men's 200-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)(AP)
Tang Qianting, of China, poses with her silver medal following the women's 100-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
United States' Sophia Smith celebrates after scoring her side's first goal, during the women's Group B soccer match between the United States and Germany at the Velodrome stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)(Daniel Cole | AP)
Lilly King, of the United States, waves ahead of the women's 100-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)(AP)
Gold medalist David Popovici, of Romania, center, poses with silver medalist Matthew Richards, of Britain, left, and bronze medalist Luke Hobson, of the United States, on the podium after the the men's 200-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Jagger Eaton, of the United States, competes in the men's skateboard street preliminaries at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)(Frank Franklin II | AP)
Members of team USA, pose with their medals following the men's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(Francisco Seco | AP)
Stephen Nedorscik of the United States is congratulated after the pommel horse during the men's artistic gymnastics team finals at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)(Morry Gash | AP)
Recently retired Philadelphia Eagles lineman Jason Kelce and wife Kylie watch the women's field hockey match between the Argentina and United States, at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Colombes, France.(AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Gold medalist Torri Huske, of the United States, right, stands on the podium with teammate and silver medalist Gretchen Walsh following the women's 100-meter butterfly final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
Torri Huske, left, of the United States, reacts after winning the women's 100-meter butterfly final with teammate Gretchen Walsh at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
Torri Huske, left, of the United States, reacts after winning the women's 100-meter butterfly final with teammate Gretchen Walsh at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France.(Petr David Josek | AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Noah Lyles, right, of the United States poses for photos while traveling along the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis,Pool)(AP)
Gold medalist, Leon Marchand, center, of France, stands with silver medalist, Tomoyuki Matsushita, left, of Japan, and bronze medalist Carson Foster, of the United States, poses after the men's 400-meter individual medley final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
LeBron James, right, of the United States, shoots as Nikola Jokic, of Serbia, defends in a men's basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(Michael Conroy | AP)
Gold medalist, Torri Huske, left, of the United States, walks with silver medalist, Gretchen Walsh, of the United States, after the women's 100-meter butterfly final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)(AP)
Nicolo Martinenghi, of Italy, celebrates after winning the men's 100-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
Torri Huske, left, of the United States, hugs Gretchen Walsh, of the United States, after winning the women's 100-meter butterfly final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)(AP)
Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the vault during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
Simone Biles, of United States, smiles after competing on the vault during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(AP)
Ryan Murphy, of the United States, competes during a heat in the men's 100-meter backstroke at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(AP)
Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the vault during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)(AP)
Jordan Chiles, of United States, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(AP)
Paul Juda, of United States, celebrates after competing on the floor exercise during a men's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
Katie Ledecky, of the United States, competes in the women's 400-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)(AP)
The Olympic Flame rises on a balloon after being lit in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024.(AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
The cauldron is lit by torch bearers Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024.(AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
This photo released by the Olympic Broadcasting Services shows Canadian Singer Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024.(Olympic Broadcasting Services via AP)
United States' Coco Gauff and Lebron James, bottom center, travel with teammates along the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)(Kirsty Wigglesworth | AP)
Snoop Dogg carries the Olympic torch at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, France.(Aurelien Morissard | AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Simone Biles of the United States practices the uneven bars during a gymnastics training session at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(AP)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. returns the ball during a practice session ahead of the tennis competition, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Paula Bruna De, of Brazil, tries to shoot the ball against Spain during the women's handball matches at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
From left, Grace Joyce, Emily Delleman, Teal Cohen and Lauren O'Connor, of the United States, practice ahead of the women's quadruple sculls competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
During these Games, the U.S. pulled off another high-profile prisoner exchange hours before Griner took the court during pool play. Knowing that more Americans were coming home had her “head over heels” happy at their return.
Teammate Diana Taurasi, who helped lobby for Griner’s return during her detention, stood two teammates away from Griner during the medal ceremony and anthem. Taurasi said she could sense Griner’s emotions and called it almost “mind-boggling” that Griner got back to this point.
“She’s a person that is grateful for all the support that she got through all this,” Taurasi said. “And it wasn’t easy. And it’s still not easy for her. She still carries a big burden ... to make sure everyone gets out. She carries that burden really heavy on her back.”
During the game itself, Griner scored four quick points and finished with two rebounds in the win.
She celebrated the victory on the basketball court with lots of hugs, including from Lisa Leslie and others cheering on the Americans at Bercy Arena, essentially a road game for the U.S. with French President Emmanuel Macron in the stands.
“The gold (medal game) is just the icing on the cake, being in the Olympics ... as well,” Griner said.
Then came time to celebrate again as the Americans huddled at midcourt for photos. Griner took out a phone for the team selfie with her right hand, using her left hand to hold up her latest gold medal.
This definitely was a moment to be remembered.
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AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report.