Brittney Griner, a Team USA Olympian and two-time gold medalist, has announced the birth of her first child with her wife, Cherelle. Griner, who prefers to be called “pops” by her son, shared the news before heading to Paris for her third consecutive Olympic tournament. The 33-year-old basketball star played in the WNBA All-Star Weekend just days before her Olympic appearance, where she revealed her excitement about her newborn son, who weighed seven pounds and eight ounces at birth.
Griner expressed her mixed emotions about leaving her wife and son behind to compete in the Olympics but believes her son will understand her commitment. The couple has been married since 2019 and faced significant challenges, including Griner’s arrest and imprisonment in Russia in 2022. Sentenced to nine years in a Russian labor camp, Griner feared her relationship and future plans with Cherelle might be over. However, Cherelle remained steadfast, and the couple was reunited following Griner’s release in a prison swap.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Griner shared in her memoir, “Coming Home,” the emotional toll of her imprisonment and the uncertainty about their future together. Despite these challenges, the couple has persevered and is now celebrating the arrival of their son. Griner’s journey from her arrest in Moscow to her return to the United States and becoming a parent highlights her resilience and dedication to her family and career.
