Brittney Griner is well-acquainted with the intense emotions involved in a prisoner swap. On Thursday night, she expressed her joy, saying she is “head over heels” that fellow Americans have been released from Russia.
Brittney Griner shared her happiness for the families of Americans who returned home early Friday morning in a prisoner exchange with Russia.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, experienced her own high-profile prisoner exchange in 2022 after being sentenced to nine years in jail for drug possession and smuggling.
Since her return to the United States, Griner has been actively involved in assisting other Americans detained abroad.
“I know they have an amazing group of people that are going to help them in whatever way they need,” Griner said, referring to the support available for Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan.
After the U.S. women’s team beat Belgium 87-74 to secure a spot in the Paris Games quarterfinals, Griner celebrated the news. “It’s a great day. Any day that Americans come home, that’s a win,” she said.
Griner herself returned to the U.S. in December 2022 and 19 months later, she is playing for the national team, which has won 57 straight games at the Olympics. Griner scored seven points in the game, helping the team aim for its eighth consecutive gold medal.
Since her return, Griner has collaborated with Bring Our Families Home, a campaign formed by family members of American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas. She has also discussed the issue twice with President Joe Biden, ensuring the detainees remain a priority.
Griner continues to adjust to life in the U.S., a process she is still navigating. She acknowledged the helpful resources available for Gershkovich and Whelan and expressed gratitude for the support she received upon her return.
This year’s Olympics mark Griner’s first time overseas since her detention in Russia. An experience on a train from London triggered some anxiety for her, as it reminded her of her journey to a Russian prison. Watching Netflix helped her calm down during the commute with her U.S. teammates to the Paris Olympics.
Her coach and teammates, aware of her past, remain supportive. U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve expressed happiness for the families, knowing the hardships endured by the men during their detention. Reeve mentioned that Griner seemed okay but emphasized the importance of continued support and monitoring.
“This is a great day because she understands what it’s like,” Reeve said. “Knowing their experience, she seemed OK. That’s Brittney. She always seems OK. But we’ll certainly be checking on her.”