"We always have her back": 'Big sis' Brittney Griner has Jewell Loyd and Team USA Women's outfit support as she gears up for Olympics run

By Sahir Bhojwani

Modified Jul 24, 2024 10:24 GMT

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So much of international tournament basketball comes down to teamwork, unity and chemistry and Brittney Griner seems to have found that with Team USA. After a traumatic and strenuous incident turned her world upside down in 2022, Griner is back in the USA playing the game she loves. As she prepares for one of the biggest tournaments of her life, her teammates are fully behind her.

Brittney Griner and Jewell Loyd are part of the USA women's national team roster that will travel to Paris to compete at the Olympic Games this week. Loyd, a fellow WNBA All-Star, spoke out in support of her teammate and insists that Griner has the backing of the whole team as she embarks on this challenging journey.

"She knows that we always have her back. We always will. And regardless of what happens [in the Olympics], we want to make sure that we have everyone’s back," said Loyd to Andscape.

Loyd then went on to discuss the impact the veteran Phoenix Mercury center has had on the younger generation of WNBA players.

"She has been a big sis for so many years. So, to be in this atmosphere with her on this journey, it means a lot. I can’t even imagine all the things that she’s feeling," added Loyd.

This is set to be Griner's first trip outside of the United States since returning to her home nation after being released from a Russian prison in Dec. 2022.

The Texas native was arrested on drug smuggling charges when she was stopped at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. Griner was found to have cannabis vape cartridges, and while she had a medical cannabis prescription in the USA, it was an illegal substance in Russia.

Brittney Griner focused on winning a gold medal at Paris Olympics

Women's National Team forward Brittney Griner controls the ball at Footprint Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

Instead of focusing on the past, Brittney Griner is looking forward with optimism. The 33-year-old is a two-time gold medalist (2016, 2020), and knows exactly how exhilarating that feeling can be. She hopes to relive that moment once again in Paris.

"I got my eyes on the gold, being on that podium...A lot of people don’t get to feel that feeling. And I’m lucky and blessed to be able to be in this position. That is what is driving me right now," said Griner to Andscape.

Griner travelled with Team USA to face Germany in an exhibition game in London, which they won 84-57. They will now travel to Paris for the opening ceremony on July 26. The women's basketball team is the heavy favorite entering the tournament and will look to secure their eighth consecutive gold medal.

Team USA will start their title defense against Japan on July 29. That will be followed by games against Belgium and Germany in the group stage.