It has been over two years since Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia. The WNBA star has done everything to overcome that negative experience. Now, the 6-ft-9 center will once again wear the red, white, and blue jersey and represent her country on the biggest stage. Hence, with the emotional journey behind her, the Phoenix Mercury star is ready to step into a new phase of her life. But before that, she had to reveal how grateful she was to be a part of Team USA for the Paris Olympics.

In her WNBA All-Star game presser, Brittney Griner revealed what going on the foreign soil will feel like after previously mentioning that she will never play internationally. She said, “Not with Team USA. Never second guessed it.” After returning from Russia in December 2022, Griner announced that she would not enter an international league again. However, she was, of course, ready to play for the USA’s national team.

She opened up about her feelings about what is motivating her to go out there and be her best. “Strength in numbers. What we are playing for, the standard, everybody that has come before us. I got my eyes on the gold, be on that podium. I want to feel that feeling again. A lot of people don’t get to feel that feeling. I’m lucky and blessed to be able to be in this position. That’s what’s driving me right now,” Griner said as per 12 News.

The Phoenix star also spilled the beans on how she will be helping the team in Paris. The 33-year-old mentioned her defense, “Really cause havoc out there. I think we really rely on that and the physicality as well. It’s defense first and then we go to offense.”

Brittney Griner has certainly set some standards both on and off the court on how an athlete can keep their mind, body, and spirit aligned. Helping her through the tough times are her friends and family.

Brittney Griner and her journey to redefined confidence

The 8x WNBA blocks leader recently welcomed her first baby boy with her wife, Cherelle Watson, named Bash. Cherelle has been beside Griner through thick and thin and is the primary reason why she is in the USA today. The lawyer-to-be was the one who talked to the USA President Joe Biden to help the basketball player stuck in the Russian penal colony IK-2. Apart from her family, her teammates and fans are also the blessings that keep her vibes positive.

Talking about them all, she told the press conference in Phoenix, “Just having really good people around me. People that understand me, know me, can see the signs of it might be wavering. Not being scared to seek counselling even though I’m in a good place. I still use it to make sure I stay in the good place.”

Indeed, Brittney Griner has many well-wishers surrounding her. But it is also delightful to see her gain confidence from the ones very close to her and take on the world like any other day. Previously, she tried her hands on the All-Star Skills Challenge. Next, we will see her rep the Team USA jersey on July 29 as they take on Japan in Paris.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.