Indiana Fever star and WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark has shared her reaction to being left off the U.S. women’s basketball team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. In an interview with ‘Time Magazine’, where she was named “Athlete of the Year”, Clark called the comments about her absence “disrespectful” and assured that this disappointment is fueling her ambition to make the team for Los Angeles 2028.
Clark explained that, while she understands the reasons for her exclusion, she found the rumors suggesting that she should have been selected just because of her popularity in women’s basketball offensive: “I don’t want to be there just because I’m someone who can attract attention. I want to be there because they think I’m good enough.”
MOTIVATION AFTER HER ABSENCE FROM PARIS 2024
The player made no secret of her displeasure with the narrative surrounding her exclusion. “It’s disrespectful to both the people who were on the team, who deserved it, and to me,” Clark said. However, he also admitted that this experience has left a mark that will drive his career, “It will definitely motivate me throughout my career.”
The impact of this motivation has already been reflected in her performance. After starting the WNBA season with an 11-15 record, Clark led an impressive turnaround after the Olympic break, with the Indiana Fever posting a 9-5 record and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Her points-per-game average increased from 17.1 to 23.1 in that span, cementing her status as one of the league’s most promising players.
CLARK’S AMBITION: LOS ANGELES 2028.
Looking ahead, Clark assured that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are now one of her biggest goals. “It’s a huge, huge goal,” declared the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer at the Division I level.
The U.S. women’s basketball team, which will be seeking its ninth consecutive gold medal at the 2028 Olympics, could be counting on an even more mature and experienced Clark. Her determination and steady improvement point to her being a key player in the future of US women’s basketball.
AN ANSWER THAT TRANSCENDS BASKETBALL
Clark’s interview with ‘Time Magazine’ not only underscores her athletic ambition, but also her commitment to the growth of women’s basketball. By refusing to be seen solely as a media figure, Clark reinforces the importance of athletic merit in a context where visibility and performance must go hand in hand.
With her sights set on Los Angeles 2028, Clark is not only looking to redeem herself, but also to continue to inspire a new generation of female players and basketball fans.
