When Brittney Griner was released from the Russian prison on December 8, 2022, she decided to keep her insights to herself. Though Griner gave her fair share of interviews regarding her time, she didn’t speak much of her harrowing experiences except for hinting that “I have my moments.” And now just days ahead of her third Olympic Final, Griner paused a bit and reflected on how lucky she is to be enjoying these “little moments.”

Griner was present in a chat with the Los Angeles Times on Saturday when she spoke at length about time in the Russian prison and what it meant to be free plying her trade in the Olympics. And fans could not help but feel emotional on hearing her perspective.

“All these little moments mean so much. Waking up, going to practice, even when you don’t want to practice, having the opportunity to do that, because we overlook it. That’s the opportunity that we get to do and I just cherish every second I can now,” Griner stated via The Los Angeles Times.

Griner had gone to Russia to play in the local league during the offseason. The basketball facilities there provided Griner with an additional source of income. However, when she arrived at the Moscow airport, the sniffer dog detected narcotics substances. After that, she was detained in Russia before her trials. Additionally, Griner’s trial was postponed several times post which she was sentenced to 9 years in prison. Thus, it was a harrowing experience for Griner and those close to her.

The POTUS Joe Biden asked for Griner’s release and it took almost four months for the deal to be finalized to release Griner on December 8. When Griner flew back, it was an emotional moment for all USA basketball fans, especially her partner who was joined by President Biden. Biden requested the Americans to respect her privacy and give her time. Therefore, on Saturday when Griner shared her insights from her time in Russia, it was 611 days after her release. Plus, her statements were quite profound considering the fact that she is on her way to her third Olympics medal.

How has Brittney Griner’s Olympics experience been?

Griner first represented the USA women’s basketball team as a 25-year-old at Rio de Janeiro. She helped her team with 7 rebounds that suffocated Spain as the USA won by a 101-72 margin in the Finals. Next, she was also a part of the Tokyo Olympics in which she scored a game-high 30 points during the gold medal game against Japan, propelling the USA to a 90-75 victory.

And now as she goes for her third Olympics, fans would be expecting a similar performance in the Finale. One of her best performances this Olympics came against Nigeria during the quarterfinals when she scored 11 points with 3 rebounds. If Griner wins gold, she will be taking Team USA to their eighth consecutive medal.

Fans would be wishing that Griner put her past behind herself and concentrated on the upcoming game. As for Griner, she can continue to find joy in the little things that will take place in her memories.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.