Caitlin Clark opens up on Paris 2024 omission: “I want to be there because they think I’m good enough”
In an interview with Time Magazine, the WNBA Rookie of the Year spoke of the “disrespectful” comments that circled around her exclusion from the Olympic squad and how the disappointment is driving her towards Los Angeles 2028.
Basketball
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has shared her thoughts about her omission from the United States women’s basketball team for Paris 2024.
Speaking to TIME magazine as the outlet’s ‘Athlete of the Year’, the WNBA rookie challenged the narrative that she should have been selected due to her popularity.
"I don't want to be there because I'm somebody that can bring attention," Clark said. "I love that for the game of women's basketball. But at the same time, I want to be there because they think I'm good enough. I don't want to be some little person that is kind of dragged around for people to cheer about and only watch because I'm sitting on the bench.
"That whole narrative kind of upset me. Because that is not fair. It's disrespectful to the people that were on the team, that had earned it and were really good. And it's also disrespectful to myself. "
Though understanding of why she was left off the roster, Clark nonetheless said the exclusion left a mark: it “will definitely motivate me my entire career”.
Proof of that drive was plain to see in real-time. After starting the WNBA season 11-15, Clark's Fever went 9-5 after the Olympic break with the rookie playing a central role in lifting the team to its first playoff appearance since 2016. She went from averaging 17.1 points per game to 23.1 points per game after the pause.
Continuing on the Olympics, the all-time NCAA Division I scoring leader also shared that she is driven now more than ever to make the national team for LA 2028; calling the Games a “huge, huge goal”.
The US women’s basketball team will be targeting a ninth consecutive Olympic gold on home soil in 2028.