Brittney Griner, the American basketball superstar detained in Russia, has written to US President Joe Biden pleading for help.
Griner has been held for over four months on what Russia says are drug charges.
In the letter, which arrived on Monday, she wrote about her fear that she might never return to US soil.
Government officials confirmed they received communication from the Phoenix Mercury player.
“President Biden has been clear about the need to see all US nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner,” said a spokeswoman from the National Security Council on Monday.
US authorities also reiterated that they are working “aggressively - using every available means - to bring her home”.
While much of Brittney Griner’s letter to the president has been kept private, excerpts reveal her mental state during detention.
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” she wrote.
“I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
Griner also reminded the president in her letter, which arrived on US Independence Day, of her father’s military service in Vietnam.
“On the 4th of July, our family normally honours the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam war veteran.”
“It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year” she added.
And she asked the president not to forget other US citizens detained by Russia.
“Please do all you can to bring us home,” she wrote. “I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you.”
