Brittney Griner, the WNBA All-Star, continues to adjust to life after her release from a Russian prison 17 months ago. She now sees a therapist regularly and advocates for other Americans detained overseas. Griner has met with President Joe Biden twice since her release, discussing the return of other detainees. Her new book, “Coming Home,” details her harrowing experience and aims to shed light on the conditions faced by detainees.
Griner hopes her book will provide readers with a better understanding of the challenges faced by detainees. She emphasizes the importance of not giving up the fight for those still detained, such as Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. Griner credits the efforts of many individuals for her own return, including government officials who had to make difficult decisions. She believes the book can help raise awareness and potentially lead to the release of other detainees.
Despite her previous experiences playing basketball overseas during the WNBA offseason, Griner has decided to focus on playing for Team USA and being present for her family. She and her wife are expecting their first child, and she wants to prioritize being there for her family. Griner has also been an advocate for mental health for the past decade and continues to see a therapist regularly. She believes that everyone can benefit from having someone to talk to outside of their daily life.
Griner expresses her gratitude for the outpouring of support she received during her time in prison, especially through letters from fans, teammates, and others. She found solace in the messages of encouragement during dark moments, such as when she was in isolation. As she prepares for her 12th year in the WNBA, Griner looks forward to returning to the court after missing time last season for a mental health break. She hopes to continue raising awareness for mental health and advocating for those in need of support.
The support Griner received during her time in prison has inspired her to use her platform to help others. She believes that sharing her story and advocating for those still detained can make a difference. Griner plans to focus on her role with Team USA and being present for her family, while also continuing to be an advocate for mental health. Her experiences have shaped her perspective and strengthened her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
