Wearing the Team USA jersey again at the Olympics and playing outside of the United States was already a very special moment for Brittney Griner. But this experience took an unexpected turn just before the match against Belgium, when the The United States has announced the release of several prisoners held in Russian prisons.as part of an exchange of prisoners, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. A situation Brittney Griner experienced more than a year and a half ago.
“It’s a great day”, reacted the Team USA player. “We’ll talk about it later, but I’m really happy for their families right now. Any time Americans come home, it’s a victory. I’m sure it’ll be even more emotional later. I’m just happy, and it’s a big victory. A huge victory.”
Arrested in Russia in possession of electronic cigarette cartridges containing cannabis oil, the Phoenix Mercury interior has released a book to describe in detail her nine-month detention in Russia, in very complicated conditions.
A relief
Now free, Brittney Griner is fully involved with the collective “Bring Our Families Home”, which has allowed her to resume the course of her life and her career.
“I know there’s an incredible group of people who are going to help them and their families in any way they can. And I’m glad I was able to go through this program and get back to my everyday life.”
Her teammates and the national team staff were obviously all thinking of her when they heard the news. Cheryl Reeve has already planned to talk to Brittney Griner about this period which can be conducive to anxiety. It must be said that between the competition, her first abroad since her return to the United States, but also her first train ride since the one who led him to a Russian prisonstress can build up.
“We are extremely happy for the families”, concludes the coach. “The prisoners have had a terrible, terrible time without their family members. As soon as I read that message, I thought of Brittney. I know how happy she is. She knows what they went through. She seemed fine, but that’s Brittney. She always seems fine. We’ll keep an eye on her.”
