Other Than Michael Jordan Winning Gold in 1984 Olympics, Brittney Griner Was Impressed by Someone Else Who Made the USA Proud

Brittney Griner is among the rarest basketball athletes to have the opportunity to represent their country at the Olympics even before making their professional debut. However, the WNBA All-Star had to turn the massive chance down after winning the NCAA championship for Baylor with an undefeated 40-0 record. Back in 2014, Griner revealed in her book that other than Michael Jordan winning gold in the 1984 Olympics, she was impressed by her former coach who made the USA proud the same year.

Brittney Griner reached the top of her game in 2012 when she dominated the NCAA championship stage and led Baylor to a ruthless victory. She talked about the dilemma she faced in 2012 in her memoir, ‘In My Skin: My Lid On and Odd the Basketball Court.’

Griner revealed that she had a difficult time making a decision when she was offered to be on the USA women’s basketball team for the Summer Olympics in 2012. After talking to her friends and family, she decided to opt out of the competition.

Brittney Griner was impressed by her coach’s achievements

Brittney Griner and Kim Mulkey did not have the best of relationships during the 2014 WNBA champ’s time at Baylor. So, Griner was a little shocked by Mulkey’s reaction when she told her about withdrawing from the Olympics team. Mulkey seemed to already know BG’s answer and was calm about it.

The Phoenix Mercury center shared that Mulkey advised her to think thoroughly as it was a difficult decision. She never tried to convince Griner into changing her decision. The WNBA star reckoned that Mulkey wanted her to join the USA team when Griner was named the finalist. However, the former Baylor coach never forced Griner.

Further, Brittney Griner revealed, “She always said it was one of the best things she ever did, playing for the United States and winning a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics.”

Mulkey shared her experience about playing for Team USA at the Olympics and winning the gold. However, she knew that Brittney Griner was tired after winning the NCAA championship. In addition, she was also aware of BG problems with saying no.

An unexpected source of inspiration

The same year as Mulkey’s gold medal win, Michael Jordan won a gold medal for the USA men’s team at the Summer Olympics. He served as a great inspiration for kids who dreamed of playing in the NBA and representing their country.

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Hence, Griner was impressed by Mulkey’s efforts during a time when women’s basketball was not given the deserved attention. BG’s former coach stayed true to her game and brought a gold medal home in 1984. Luckily, Griner made it to USA team again and won two Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2020.