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Caitlin Clark is unfazed about not making the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s basketball team. “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” she told Indy Star sports reporter Chloe Peterson on June 9.I know it's the most competitive team in the world and I know it could've gone either way. Clark added, “I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, so it’ll be fun to watch them.”
Despite her omission, Clark harbors no disappointment. I think it gives you something to work for. It’s a dream, and hopefully one day I’ll be there, she said. I think it’s just a little more motivation. Hopefully in four years, I can be there.”
Clark received a call from the team’s directors before the news broke. “They called me and let me know before everything came out, which was really respectful of them,” she shared. Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides revealed that Clark texted her after the call, saying, “Hey coach, they woke a monster.” This sentiment was evident when Clark scored 30 points, including seven three-pointers, against the Washington Mystics shortly after learning the news.
Clark led her team to the Final Four earlier this year and was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, signing with the Indiana Fever. “I got a little anxious there before the pick,” she admitted to ESPN. “But, more than anything, I’m just grateful and lucky to have my family here and my friends over there, coaches up here. I’ve dreamed of this moment since second grade.”
Team USA’s roster, reportedly featuring veterans like Brittney Griner, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart, is heavily favored to win in Paris. Team USA has dominated women’s basketball at the Olympics, winning gold in every Summer Games since 1996. Clark expressed her hope for future participation, saying,Hopefully in four years, I can be there. Team USA’s first women’s basketball game, against Japan, is set for July 29.
