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"Definitely emotional" — Brittney Griner reflects on Russian imprisonment after WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich is freed from Russia in prisoner swap
Brittney Griner is no stranger to the rollercoaster of frustration, anger and heartbreak of Russian imprisonment — and the freedom and relief that follows being released.
Griner offered her thoughts on the prisoner swap that freed two dozen people and brought three Americans home.
Following Team USA's big win over Belgium's women's national basketball team, Griner said she was "head over heels" for the freed Americans and their families.
"Great day. It's a great day. It's a great day. We'll talk more about it later, but head over heels for the families right now. Any day that Americans come home that's a win. That's a win," Griner stated.
Griner was in the shoes of Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan, who were brought home in the exchange, when she faced a nine-year sentence on drug possession and smuggling charges before being released in 2022.
When asked about her feelings on the exchange to bring three Americans home, Griner stated she was "definitely emotional."
The prisoner swap was the largest since the Cold War and is considered a historic swap.
Brittney Griner competing for third gold medal 19 months after prisoner exchange to bring her home
Before learning about the prisoner swap, Griner helped the United States women's national team to its 57th consecutive win in the Olympics and their second group-stage win in a row.
Griner scored seven points and added two rebounds in 10 minutes for Team USA in their 87-74 win over the Belgium women's national team.
Team USA was led by A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, who combined for 49 points in Team USA's second-straight Olympic win in Paris.
Griner also posted a solid performance in Team USA's first win over the Japan women's national team, scoring 11 points and grabbing nine rebounds while assisting on three baskets. In 16 minutes, Griner finished the game shooting 5-7 from the field.
Griner and Team USA will play the Germany women's national team in the final group-phase matchup. Germany has had a solid 2-0 to start at the Olympics. Team USA will look to move to 3-0 in their hunt for another gold medal.
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