Caitlin Clark, the rising star of women’s basketball and recently named TIME Magazine’s “Athlete of the Year,” has shared her thoughts on being left out of the United States Olympic basketball team for the Paris 2024 Games. Despite her notable achievements throughout the year, including making headlines for her performances and popularity, Clark was notably absent when Team USA competed for gold in Paris. In a candid interview, she revealed how she felt about the snub and her perspective on the situation.
Clark made it clear that she didn’t want the focus to shift from the Olympic team’s achievements to her exclusion. “I don’t want to be there because I can just bring attention,” she explained. “I want to be there because I’m good enough to be there, not because I’m a draw for people to tune in.” She stressed that while she appreciates the attention her presence might bring to the game of women’s basketball, her desire to compete for Team USA was rooted in her skill, not her popularity. Clark didn’t want to be viewed as just a figurehead or a benchwarmer brought along solely for the publicity.
While Clark’s omission was a hot topic throughout the summer’s Olympics, she remained focused on her own goals. Despite the growing conversation around her absence, she was determined not to let it overshadow the team’s success. She also reflected on her decision to not participate in the Unrivaled 3-v-3 basketball league during the offseason, expressing a desire for some personal space away from the limelight. “It’s going to be good for me to do my own thing and have my own space,” Clark said, hinting at her need for a break from constant public attention.
Team USA went on to secure gold in Paris, with players like Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Sabrina Ionescu, and others stepping up to fill the roster spots. Clark, however, took the opportunity to focus on her own development and her long-term goals in the sport. Her rise in popularity and her commitment to the game of basketball continues to resonate, and she remains a key figure in shaping the future of women’s sports.
Though the absence of Clark from the Olympic roster was widely discussed, her own reflections on the matter highlight her deep love for the game and her desire to be recognized for her talent. For now, Clark is committed to continuing her journey on her own terms, ensuring that when she returns to the international stage, it’s for the right reasons—her undeniable ability on the court.
