Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark acknowledged that she was not selected for the U.S. national team for the Paris Summer Olympics. Pictured here is her during a game in Indianapolis, Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Doug McSchuler/AP
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Doug McSchuler/AP
One of America’s biggest sports stars will not be competing in the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Kaitlyn Clark, who plays for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, confirmed Sunday that she was not selected for the national team roster.
“I’m excited about the girls on our team. They’re the most competitive team in the world,” Clark told reporters.
Clark said USA Basketball Association officials showed her respect by telling her the decision directly.
The WNBA rookie said she wasn’t disappointed and plans to compete for a spot on the national team at the next Summer Olympics in 2028.
“I know it could have gone either way, whether I was on the team or not,” the Indiana University guard said, “so I’m excited for them to win the gold medal. I’ll be rooting for them.”
Regarding not being selected for the Olympic team, Caitlin Clark had nothing but praise for the 12 who were selected, saying “making the team was the hardest part.”
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— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 9, 2024
Some critics argue the decision is a missed opportunity by the United States Basketball Association to bring more fan attention to Olympic sports.
Clark told reporters she would be interested in playing for the U.S. if an Olympic spot were to open up at the last minute because of injury or other reasons.
“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity,” Clark said. “If the United States Basketball Association needs anything, I have a great relationship with them.”
The opening ceremony of the Paris Games will take place on July 26th.
The official roster of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team has yet to be announced, but the provisional roster includes past Olympic gold medalists such as Brittney Griner and Breanna Stewart.
The U.S. women’s team has dominated Olympic basketball, winning gold medals in the last seven Summer Olympics.
