Caitlin Clark opens up about Olympics snub, ‘disrespectful’ narrative

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark received another award Tuesday as Time Magazine Athlete of the Year and the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year reflected on the countless narratives that have been established around them throughout 2024.

In a wide-ranging interview with TimeClark said she has now told The Nowie head coach Christie Sides that the team is not “waking a monster” and that it will definitely motivate me my entire career.

More from Sportico.com

Clark also acknowledged the debate that raged around her, which was less about her ability on the court and more about how her marketability could have drawn attention to the already dominant Olympic team.

“I don’t want to be there because I’m someone who can draw attention to myself,” Clark agreed Time. “I love that for the game of women’s basketball. At the same time, I want to be there because they think I’m good enough. I don’t want to be a little person who’s pulled around for people to cheer about and just watch because I’m on the bench. “

Although she briefly commented on not being selected at the time, the discourse extended well into the national team’s preparation for Paris, much of which was met with the same toxicity that accompanied the Fever’s games against the Chicago Sky in the first half of the season . Team USA, meanwhile, won its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal.

Clark also addressed her decision to join forces with Unvermanten. “It will be good for me to do my own thing and have my own space,” Clark said. “I kind of want to stay out of the spotlight.”

The desire for space is understandable, given the massive demand for all things Caitlin Clark. Their presence not only led to the WNBA’s best viewership in two decades, but also set new attendance and merchandise records. Golf Channel’s live coverage of their recent mediocre Pro-Am performance reflected Tiger Woods’ prime. FC Cincinnati’s decision to include Clark in its bid for an NWSL franchise was certainly weighed down by her fame.

Speaking of star power, Clark’s piece not only brought a legion of fans to the WNBA, but also sparked a friendship with music megastar Taylor Swift. Clark attended two of the three shows in Indianapolis when Swift’s landmark “Eras Tour” came to town in November. In a note to Clark, as detailed by TimeSwift said, “Travis Kelce) and I were planning to attend a Fever game and invited Clark to a City Chiefs game in Kansas. If both moments happen, the crossover could break the internet.

Best of Sportico.com

Sign up for Sportico’s newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.