Caitlin Clark was asked about not making the Team USA squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics during a pre-game press interaction. Clark noted that she completely understood that Team USA is the most competitive team in the world, and it could have gone either way. Regardless, Clark will be watching and rooting on the squad in Paris.
“I’m excited for the girls on the team. I know it’s the most competitive team in the world, and I know it could have gone either way – maybe you’re on the team, maybe not on the team. So, I’m excited for them. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was the kid that grew up watching the Olympics. It’ll be fun watching…”
Clark was then asked by a reporter whether she was disappointed about not making the roster. She said that while she wasn’t disappointed in the decision, the snub gave her some added motivation for the future to make sure that she made the roster the next time.
“Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives you something to work for. That’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that. And hopefully, when four years come back around, I can be there.”
The Fever rookie revealed that the officials at Team USA did call her to let her know their decision, which she appreciated. Clark was quick to point out that she didn’t receive any special treatment, and every member of the Olympic pool got a call about their status on the team.
“Yeah, they called me and let me know before everything came out, which is really respectful of them and I appreciated them. They did the same for every single girl on the team, every girl that didn’t make the team, there’s a lot of players in the Olympic pool. It wasn’t like I was the only one they had to call, they had to make quite a few calls.”
“No disappointment… Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that.”
Caitlin Clark after being left off Team USA for the Olympics 👀
(via @RomeovilleKid)pic.twitter.com/e8x10BQLkJ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 9, 2024
Clark, despite being one of the most hyped prospects in basketball, continues to show that she is a focused and humble player who just wants to earn her opportunities rather than be handed them. Her response was the correct one and showed maturity beyond her years.
Real Reason Caitlin Clark Was Left Off Team USA
There was a lot of speculation over why Caitlin Clark didn’t make the Olympic team. Despite her being a rookie, her talent is beyond her years, and the selection committee has allowed rookies to be part of the squad earlier. Players like Rebecca Lobo, Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Breanna Stewart have been selected for the team as rookies.
According to a report, one of the deciding factors in Clark not being selected was certain veteran members of Team USA were concerned about how her massive fanbase would react to her limited playing opportunities.
There have been quite a few instances of recently of Clark recently being tested by some veteran players in the WNBA.
Despite her otherworldly talent and the new eyes she’s brought to the league, there has been some resentment from the older guard of the league toward the rookie who seems to have gotten the red carpet rolled out for her.
Clark, for her part, has not complained once about the situation and has shown a positive attitude and a willingness to earn respect. A superstar like her comes once in a generation, but the fact that she is still willing to put in the work and put in the hours is a positive sign for the WNBA.
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