Brittney Griner Says Returning to Normalcy Is 'a Little Overwhelming' After Return From Russia

Griner said it's "a surreal feeling" to be back in her Mercury jersey during a team media day on Wednesday

Brittney Griner is figuring out a new normal.

Just this week, she made appearances at the White House Correspondents Dinner and the Met Gala before returning to Phoenix for the Mercury's media day on Wednesday.

There, Griner, 32, opened up about the difficult transition to everyday life after nearly a year in Russian imprisonment while talking to reporters.

One of Time's Most Influential People of 2023, Griner said she "didn't think it could get that big," regarding the worldwide coverage of her arrest and the ten months that would follow.

She added that the adjustment back to her everyday life has been "a little overwhelming," per CNN.

"It's cool because now I'm able to reach even more people," Griner said of her ability to "bring" new eyes to the WNBA, as well as "keep them aware" of the other detained Americans whose release she's advocating for with her wife Cherelle.

Related:Brittney Griner Meets Joe Biden for the First Time After Prisoner Swap: 'Emotional for Both of Us'

Griner is grateful for the "bigger outlet" that her situation has given her as she continues to "support others who are in need and don't have the spotlight or the media coverage that they should be able to get," according to CNN.

As the Phoenix Mercury prepares for the start of a new WNBA season, Griner said it's "a surreal feeling being back in" her Mercury jersey and in the team's arena.

Griner added, "I didn't think that it would come this quickly, I was prepared for the long haul, but it's so nice being here, being up here doing media again, wearing this jersey."

Related:Brittney Griner Makes 2023 Met Gala Debut 5 Months After Release from Russia

On Monday, the WNBA star made her Met Gala debut with Cherelle, 30.

The couple coordinated in custom Calvin Klein. Brittney — who previously told Elle in 2013 that she vowed to never wear a dress again after her high school graduation — wore a long beige coat, matching trousers and a sheer top.

When speaking with La La Anthony on Vogue's red carpet livestream, Cherelle took a moment to remember the hardship the couple faced one year ago. "This time last year, I was missing my wife, so to have her right here, to be in this moment — breathtaking," she said.

"It's everything just to be here with my wife and just able to be here," Brittney added. "It means so much. Get to see this event a lot and actually live it. It's amazing."

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Both Brittney and Cherelle were dressed in custom designs from Calvin Klein for the evening, who also styled the couple for Saturday's White House Correspondent's Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Brittney and Cherelle were invited as guests of CBS and Gayle King to the event, where the WNBA star was able to thank President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden for the administration's efforts toward her release from Russia last year.

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