As the world tuned in to the 2024 Paris Olympics, millions of eyes were fixed on Team USA. Among the many talented athletes competing on the international stage, Brittney Griner, a standout centre for both Team USA and the Phoenix Mercury, caught significant attention—not just for her performance on the court but for a more symbolic reason.
In this article, we’ll explore the facts behind Griner’s decision, the context of her past actions, and how her stance at the Olympics in 2024 reflects her journey as an athlete and a human being.
Let’s dig deeper and address the nuances behind that pivotal moment on the Olympic court.
Who Is Brittney Griner?
Brittney Griner is far more than just a basketball player. Known for her towering presence at 6-foot-9 and shot-blocking dominance, she has been a key player in American women’s basketball for over a decade.
A Quick Profile:
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Full Name: Brittney Yevette Griner
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Team: Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Team USA
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Olympic Appearances: Tokyo 2020 (Gold), Paris 2024 (Gold)
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Notable Honors: WNBA Champion, 2× Olympic Gold Medalist, 9× WNBA All-Star
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Advocacy: Vocal about social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and prison reform
In 2022, Griner made global headlines after being detained in Russia on drug-related charges. Her return to the U.S. was celebrated widely, and her return to professional basketball in 2023 was inspiring. But Griner has always been more than her stats. Her voice off the court has been just as impactful as her play on it.
What Does the Anthem Controversy Entail?
To truly understand the question of whether Brittney Griner kneeled during the anthem at the Olympics, we need to revisit the history of anthem protests in modern sports.
In 2016, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick ignited national debate by kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. Since then, kneeling or sitting during the anthem has become a powerful gesture of protest in professional sports, including the WNBA.
Griner joined this wave in 2020. Amid widespread protests after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, she publicly stated she would not be on the court for the national anthem.
“I honestly feel we should not play the national anthem during our season,” Griner said at the time. “I’m going to protest regardless. I’m not going to be out there for the national anthem. If the league continues to want to play it, that’s fine. I’ll protest in my own way.”
This stance sparked both support and criticism, highlighting the tension between patriotism and protest that has become part of the American sports conversation.
Did Brittney Griner Kneel During the Anthem at the Olympics?
No, Brittney Griner did not kneel during the Paris Olympics’ anthem. Instead, she stood with her hand over her heart alongside her Team USA teammates as the national anthem played during medal ceremonies and team introductions.
For many, this moment marked a significant change. After previously avoiding the anthem as a form of protest, why did Griner choose to stand now? Was it pressure? Was it personal growth? Or was it simply a decision made in a different context?
Let’s look at the likely reasons behind this change.
Exploring the Reasons Behind the Change in Position
Griner’s decision to stand during the anthem at the Olympics could be interpreted in several ways. Here are some of the most thoughtful and realistic reasons.
1. Olympic Rules and Restrictions
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) enforces Rule 50, prohibiting political gestures or protests during medal ceremonies and official Olympic events. Athletes risk facing sanctions for any visible political expression during such moments.
Griner, a seasoned international competitor, likely understood the need to comply with these rules to stay focused on the competition and avoid distractions or penalties for herself or her team.
2. Team Unity and Collective Focus
Standing together during the anthem may have represented unity for Team USA. On such a global stage, athletes often prioritize the bigger picture: representing their country, supporting teammates, and focusing on gold. In this case, standing may not have been about abandoning past beliefs, but rather aligning with a collective decision.
3. Personal Growth and Life Experiences
Griner’s wrongful detainment in Russia from February to December 2022 deeply affected her life. Her return to the U.S. involved diplomatic negotiations and tremendous public support. That experience may have changed how she sees her identity, her country, and how she chooses to express her beliefs.
When asked about standing during the anthem, Griner didn’t dismiss her past. Instead, she acknowledged the emotion of the moment, noting that she was “grateful to be here” and “wanted to honor this moment with her teammates.”
The Power of Emotion: Griner’s Tears During the Anthem
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the 2024 Paris Olympics wasn’t just Team USA winning gold—it was Griner standing in tears during the national anthem after their victory.
What Did This Moment Symbolize?
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Gratitude: After nearly a year in a Russian prison, standing for the anthem likely had a very personal meaning.
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Resilience: Her journey from detainment to Olympic gold was one of the most inspiring stories of the 2024 Games.
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Unity: Griner stood with her teammates, honoring the effort it took to reach that podium.
This wasn’t a political statement. It was a personal one. And for many watching, it was deeply moving.
Team USA’s Performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Brittney Griner wasn’t just present—she was dominant.
Olympic Stats and Achievements:
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Averaged 14.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game
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Played key roles against Spain, Australia, and France
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Helped lead Team USA to an undefeated Olympic run
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Earned her second Olympic gold medal
Griner’s presence on the court reminded fans and critics alike of her skill, leadership, and passion for the game. Her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a powerful comeback on every level.
Public and Media Reaction: Mixed but Respectful
National and international media widely covered Griner’s choice to stand during the anthem. Headlines ranged from respectful to inquisitive.
Common Media Takes:
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“Griner Stands Tall in Paris—Literally and Figuratively” – ESPN
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“From Protest to Podium: Griner’s Anthem Moment” – CNN
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“Brittney Griner’s Growth Is as Remarkable as Her Game” – Washington Post
Public Reaction:
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Many applauded her emotional moment, seeing it as a symbol of personal growth and resilience.
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Some questioned whether the decision was influenced by external pressure or a desire to avoid controversy.
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Most importantly, many recognized the complexity of her journey and appreciated her honesty in navigating it.
What Griner Continues to Stand For
Whether kneeling or standing, Brittney Griner has never stopped standing up for her beliefs. Her voice remains strong in the fight for:
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Prisoner advocacy and reform
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LGBTQ+ rights
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Mental health awareness
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Racial equality and social justice
Griner understands that a single gesture does not define a person’s commitment. She continues to use her platform to elevate voices that often go unheard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Brittney Griner kneel during the anthem at the Olympics?
No. Brittney Griner stood during the national anthem at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Why did she previously choose not to stand during the anthem?
In 2020, Griner protested racial injustice by choosing not to be present for the national anthem during WNBA games.
Why did she choose to stand in Paris?
Likely due to a combination of Olympic regulations, team unity, and personal growth following her detainment in Russia.
Did her decision mean she no longer supports social justice?
Not at all. Griner remains an outspoken advocate and uses other avenues to promote change.
How did Team USA perform in the 2024 Olympics?
Team USA won the gold medal in women’s basketball, with Griner playing a key role in their undefeated run.
Final Thoughts: A Symbol of Strength and Change
So, did Brittney Griner kneel during the anthem at the Olympics? No, she stood. But as we’ve explored throughout this article, that simple act held layers of meaning.
Griner’s decision to stand in Paris wasn’t a contradiction of her past but a continuation of her story. It is a story of resilience, gratitude, strength, and reflection.
We all evolve. And Brittney Griner’s journey from protest to podium reminds us that growth isn’t about changing who we are; it’s about adapting with purpose while staying true to what matters most.
