Basketball Star Caitlin Clark Speaks Out After 2024 Olympics Snub
Caitlin Clark speaks out after learning she will not be competing on the U.S. team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Above, Clark talks to the media before a game at Capital One Arena on June 7, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
Basketball star Caitlin Clark has spoken out following reports that she will not be competing on behalf of the U.S. at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Basketball fans have speculated for weeks about whether Clark, 22, would appear on Team USA’s roster for this year’s Olympics, which begins on Friday, July 26. Though the official roster hadn’t been released as of Sun., June 9, several media reports—and Clark herself—said that she was not selected to compete with the team.
While speaking with Indianapolis Star reporters on Sunday, Clark said she is “excited for the girls that are on the team.”
“I know it’s the most competitive team in the world,” the WNBA player said, adding that USA Basketball picking her to compete “could have gone either way.”
“I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold,” she added.
Related: Why Caitlin Clark's WNBA Salary Is Stirring Up Outrage
Clark is new to the WNBA, having joined the Indiana Fever this spring after a record-breaking collegiate career. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star guard told reporters that she views the decision as a motivator to make an Olympic team in the future.
“Honestly, no disappointment. Like, I think it just gives you something to work for,” she said, adding, “Hopefully one day I can be there.”
Christie Sides, the head coach of Clark’s team, told reporters on Sunday that she too believes the decision can help drive Clark as she launches her career as a professional athlete.
“That’s the hardest team in the world to make. That is a tough team,” Sides said. “She’s young, she’s going to have so many opportunities in the future.”
Sides also shared what Clark had texted her after learning that she would not be playing in Paris. “The thing she said was, ‘Hey coach, they woke a monster,’ which I thought was awesome,” Sides said.
Next: Watch Iowa Basketball Star Caitlin Clark Belt Out Her Favorite Taylor Swift Song
