WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 07: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates during the game against the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena on June 07, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Caitlin Clark didn’t make the initial cut for the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, but she still has a chance to represent the Stars and Stripes in Paris.
Fox News reports that Shams Charania of The Athletic said on Monday’s, ‘Run It Back’ that Clark remains at the top of the alternate list in case of an injury. Caitlin responded to not making the Olympic team, stating that the news didn’t disappoint her.
“Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for; it’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there.”
According to ESPN, the Indiana Fever basketball player also mentioned that, despite not making the team, she is excited to support the women who are heading to the Paris Olympics.
“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team, I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way — me being on the team or me not being on the team. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch them.”
ESPN notes that no player under the age of 26 was included this year; Caitlin is 22 as of January. However, the U.S. has previously included the No.1 WNBA pick during an Olympics year, which Caitlin was this year.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled from July 26 to August 11.
In March, AP News reported that Caitlin Clark received an invitation to the Olympic training camp at the Final Four in Cleveland from April 3-5. Her primary goal was to lead Iowa to the Final Four for a shot at the national championship. Reflecting on her camp invite, Caitlin expressed her lifelong dream of joining the Olympic team, calling it a career highlight.
“You always want to grow up and be on the Olympic team, but lucky for me, I have the opportunity of possibly not doing that because I want to be at the Final Four playing basketball with my team. But if not, that’s where I’ll be. People that are on that roster are people that I idolize and have idolized growing up. Just to be extended a camp invite is something you have to be proud of and celebrate and enjoy.”
In addition to sharing her reflections on not being selected for the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, Caitlin also addressed the question of whether she owed Chennedy Carter a public apology.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Chennedy Carter collided with Caitlin, causing her to fall to the ground during an inbound play during the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky basketball game on Saturday (June 1). The incident occurred during the third quarter of the game.
After Chennedy made a shot, Aliyah Boston prepared to throw the ball inbounds to Clark. In the replay, Chennedy can be seen yelling a few words before shoulder-checking Caitlin, causing her to hit the ground.
“No, I mean basketball is competitive I get it. Sometimes your emotions get the best of you, happened to me multiple times throughout the course of my career, people are competitive it is what it is. She’s having a tremendous season, she’s played great basketball. In first place for sixth player of the year, she’s been great off the bench for them. That’s not where my focus is and that’s not what I think about on a day to day basis. I think about my team, ways that I can get better. It’s just basketball at the end of the day. It’s a sport at the end of the day, it’s not gonna be nice all the time.”
However, when Chennedy was asked about the interaction after it happened, the Chicago Sky guard quickly dismissed the question. Later in the interview, when asked about the incident again, Chennedy explained that she did not want to discuss Caitlin.
“I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions,” Chennedy said.
