Brittney Griner‘s inclusion in the Time 100 list of the greatest influencers of 2023 has been met with a resounding celebration. It is a well-deserved recognition for a woman who has faced her fair share of adversity. Brittney Griner made headlines globally when they imprisoned her in Russia over the illegal possession of drugs. She eventually returned to the United States after a lengthy legal battle in December 2022.

A few months after regaining her freedom, the basketball player made the international list of 100 people named among Time Magazine’s Most Influential of 2023. Even more noteworthy is the incredible amount of support that has poured in for Griner, with countless world-famous stars, including international soccer star Megan Rapinoe and her WNBA-playing fiancee Sue Bird, getting behind the athlete throughout her journey.

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Sue Bird, recently applauded Brittney Griner’s inclusion in the Time 100. She noted how the recognition highlights the Phoenix Mercury star’s resilience and the financial challenges of being a woman athlete.

What Sue Bird had to say about Brittney Griner

Bird, who plays for the Seattle Storm and is also a fiancee of Rapinoe, recently released a statement of support for Griner’s much-deserved Time 100 inclusion. “Brittney Griner’s story represents so much,” Bird said. “It’s about resilience and courage, being strong for yourself and for others. Despite the discrimination and injustice she faced, she remained resilient, never lost hope and kept fighting”.

Bird also noted the importance of Griner’s story and that of other female athletes. She used her experience as an example to highlight the low levels of pay that women receive.“BG’s wrongful detainment brought attention to issues like the inequities in pay for women athletes, which sometimes compel us to put ourselves in dangerous situations to maximize our financial worth,” the Seattle Storm star said.

She further added, “It brought to light the dozens of Americans wrongfully detained around the world, and BG continues to use her platform as a sports superstar to advocate for their release.” She also brought forward black women, the LGBTQ+ community, and the WNBA community as examples.

Sue Bird then went on to commend Griner, saying, “These are the women who get sh-t done”. It’s no wonder why Griner’s incredible story of strength and resilience has been widely celebrated and recognized. Even the likes of Sue Bird stood by her in a show of admiration and respect.

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