“Caitlin Clark Expresses ‘No Disappointment’ Over Not Making Women’s Basketball Olympic Team”

Caitlin Clark holds no grudges against Team USA despite not making the cut for the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s basketball team. “I’m genuinely happy for the girls who made it,” the 22-year-old shared with Indy Star sports reporter Chloe Peterson. “I understand the level of competition for the team is incredibly high, and it could have swung either way whether I was selected or not. I’m genuinely excited to cheer them on as they aim for gold. Watching the Olympics was a big part of my childhood, so it’s going to be thrilling to see them compete.”

Clark emphasized that she harbors no feelings of disappointment over her exclusion from the team. “In fact, it just adds more fuel to my fire. It’s a dream of mine, and not making it this time around only strengthens my determination to get there someday,” she explained. “Consider it added motivation. Hopefully, when the next Olympics roll around in four years, I’ll be in a position to make the team.”

While Team USA hasn’t officially unveiled its roster for the women’s basketball squad at the upcoming Games, reports suggest that Clark didn’t make the final cut. Instead, athletes like Brittney Griner, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart are set to represent the United States on the court.

Cameron Brink, who was in the same WNBA draft class as Clark, along with Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, are set to represent the U.S. in the women’s 3×3 event.

Clark revealed that she received a personal phone call from the team’s directors prior to the news going public. “I appreciated the respect they showed by reaching out to me before the announcement,” Clark stated. “They did the same for all the players, whether they made the team or not. With so many players in the Olympic pool, there were quite a few calls to make.”

A standout player for the University of Iowa, Clark played a pivotal role in leading the women’s team to the Final Four earlier this year. After declaring for the WNBA Draft, she was selected as the No. 1 pick, signing with the Indiana Fever.

Reflecting on her draft experience, Clark expressed her gratitude, saying, “There was definitely some anticipation before the pick, but more than anything, I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have my family here, friends there, and coaches supporting me. This moment has been a dream since second grade, and it’s been a journey of hard work, with its fair share of highs and lows. But above all, I’m just trying to soak it all in.”